National preservation plan needed for Hồ Dynasty Citadel

VGP – Deputy PM Nguyễn Thiện Nhân has asked the Thanh Hóa People’s Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to jointly develop a national-level planning scheme to preserve and promote the value of the world heritage site - the Hồ Dynasty Citadel.

April 12, 2012 8:15 PM GMT+7

The planning scheme must be commented by relevant agencies before submitting to the PM for approval.

On June 27, 2011, the Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty in the central province of Thanh Hóa was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Located in the two communes of Vĩnh Tiến and Vĩnh Long in Vĩnh Lộc District, the citadel was built in 1397 by King Hồ Quý Ly. It is measured 870m by 883m.

Also known as the Tây Đô Citadel, the ancient building is famous for being located in a strategic position that can ensure it is easily defended. The citadel is shielded by a mountain range to the north and is provided with a huge natural moat formed by the Ma River, which runs to its west and the Bưởi River, which runs to its south.

Unlike many other citadels that were built from bricks, the Hồ Dynasty Citadel was built with huge stone slabs sourced from nearby mountains. It features four arched entrances facing east, west, north and south.

By Hải Minh