Royal Palace Complex (Imperial Citadel) in Huế, Việt Nam - Part 2

Updated 9/21/2024

I find the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huế Citadel, to be fascinating. Many of the monuments inside it represent the best of the classical Vietnamese architecture. Numerous palaces in the Imperial Citadel (Hoàng Thành) were destroyed or heavily damaged during the war, from 1945 to 1975, and are only being rebuilt or repaired in the last twenty five years. I write this blog because I want to share my discovery about this special place with others, who wish to know more about it. I have included many details about this Citadel, which may not be interesting to a casual reader, but I feel are necessary for the sake of completeness. The important items are in BOLD and the rest can be glanced over.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Ngọ Môn", 2024, Accessed via https://wiki-travel.com.vn/Uploads/picture/camnhi-242411112435-dia-diem-du-lich-hue-di-tich-van-hoa-lich-su-4.jpg The body of work that makes up Wikitravel—text, images, audio, video, etc.—is free for anyone to use, as long as they comply with our copyleft. Altered from source photo.

Imperial Citadel (Hoàng Thành), the inner middle ring

The Imperial Citadel occupies approximately 90 acres with 1.5 miles in circumference. It composes of six areas: (1) the Worship Halls on the southwest and southeast sides, (2) the Queen Dowager's Residence on the northwest side (3) the Throne Hall on the south central axis (4) the Forbidden Citadel on the north central axis, (5) the Royal Treasury on east side, and (6) one of the two Royal Gardens on the northeast side. It had over one hundred structures before the war.

Source: Author unknown. "Công cuộc xây dựng kinh đô dưới triều Nguyễn." Dư địa chí. Cổng Thông Tin Điện Tử Thừa Thiên Huế. https://thuathienhue.gov.vn/Thong-tin-du-dia-chi/tid/Cong-cuoc-xay-dung-kinh-do-Hue-duoi-trieu-Nguyen/newsid/213C554A-4BA2-45A7-808E-354FE9B39891/cid/F0BB6DEB-C54A-4C2B-A00A-CB0A7C120763

Multiple authors. "Hoàng Thành Huế." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated April 22, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF

Vermillion and gold are the primary colors in the Imperial Citadel. They denote the imperial power inside its walls. Gold paints the roofs and walls of the palaces and vermillion paints their columns and doors. Also, the dragon motifs, representing the imperial authority, are on every structure in the Citadel.

Image source: "Huế Imperial Citadel," 2024. Accessed via https://www.google.com/maps/@16.4695403,107.5770157,1042m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu Altered from source static image

Image source: Unknown creator, "Huế Imperial City", 2023, Accessed via https://www.travelcities.net/2023/08/hue-imperial-city-vietnam/ Unaltered from source image.

Image source: Lê Đình Hoàng , "Toàn cảnh di tích kinh thành Huế," 2024. Accessed via https://suckhoedoisong.vn/dieu-it-biet-ve-loat-13-cua-ra-vao-di-tich-kinh-thanh-hue-169240310204253508.htm Unaltered from source photo.

Below is a picture taken in 1932 before many buildings were destroyed by war.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Hue, 1932 - La Ville Imperiale - Vue aerienne," 1932. Accessed via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hu%C3%A9,_1932_%E2%80%93_La_Ville_Imp%C3%A9riale_%E2%80%93_Vue_a%C3%A9rienne.jpg CC Public Domain Mark 1.0 Altered from source photo.

Gates and Observation Towers

There are only four gates in the Imperial Citadel. The most important one is the Meridian Gate (Ngọ Môn), on the south side - see the picture below.

Source: Multiple authors. "Hoàng Thành Huế." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated. April 22, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Ngọ Môn," 2021. Accessed via https://vnexpress.net/lau-ngu-phung-sau-8-nam-trung-tu-4221828.html Unaltered from souce photo.

The Ngũ Phụng Pavilion, or Phoenix Pavilion, sits on top the Meridian Gate. It is majestic and splendid with its emerald and gold roofs and its vermillion columns and doors. It has two stories and one hundred columns. The magnificent structure is truly befitting its name. Below are pictures of the Phoenix Pavilion: the exterior and interior.

Source: Multiple authors. "Ngọ Môn (Hoàng thành Huế)." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated October 15, 2023. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng%E1%BB%8D_M%C3%B4n_(Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF)

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Lầu Ngũ Phụng," 2024. Accessed via https://codohue.vn/ngo-mon-cong-chinh-di-vao-hoang-thanh-hue/ Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Bên trong lầu Ngũ Phụng," 2024. Accessed via https://codohue.vn/ngo-mon-cong-chinh-di-vao-hoang-thanh-hue/ Unaltered from source photo.

Chương Đức Gate is on the west side.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Cửa Chương Đức," Year unknown. Accessed via https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/Gate_in_Imperial_City%2C_Hu%E1%BA%BF_%28II%29.jpg Altered from source photo.

Hiền Nhơn Gate is on the east side.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Cửa Hiền Nhơn," 2018. Accessed via https://kienthuc.net.vn/kho-tri-thuc/ngam-bo-cua-dep-nhat-hoang-thanh-hue-988386.html#p-7 Altered from source photo.

Hòa Bình Gate is on the north side. Its design is simpler than the other three gates'. I think, it was not deemed as significant as the other's, because the Imperial Citadel is facing southeast.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Cửa Hòa Bình," 2024. Accessed via https://wikimapia.org/8950861/vi/C%E1%BB%ADa-Ho%C3%A0-B%C3%ACnh#/photo/1841002 Unaltered from source photo.

There are three Observation Towers near each gates on the east, west, and north sides. The one on the south side is the Phoenix Pavilion, the only one that sits directly on top of a gate. Below are the pictures of the Observation Tower near Hiền Nhơn Gate on the east side. One can enjoy tea and participate in various cultural events here. The one near the Chương Đức Gate on the west side is similar.

Source: Unknown author. "Thi vị thú thưởng Trà ở Đông Khuyết Đài - Đại Nội Huế." DTiNews. Dân Trí. September 29, 2019. https://dantri.com.vn/doi-song/thi-vi-thu-thuong-tra-o-dong-khuyet-dai-dai-noi-hue-20190929095212678.htm

Image source: Unknown creator, "Đông khuyết đài," 2013. Accessed via https://baoyenbai.com.vn/16/92930/Trung-tu-di-tich-Dong-Khuyet-dai---Dai-noi-Hue-.aspx Unaltered from source image.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Đông khuyết đài," Year unknown. Accessed via https://danangbest.com/dong-khuyet-dai-kho-tang-nghe-thuat-tai-co-do-hue.html Unaltered from source photo.

Below is the Tứ Phương Vô Sự (which means Peace in Four Corners of the Realm) Pavilion near the North Gate. One can also enjoy tea and the view here just like the emperors of the past.

Source: Unknown author, "Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự mở cửa đón khách trở lại." Thừa Thiên Huế Online. January 31, 2024. https://baothuathienhue.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/thong-tin-van-hoa/lau-tu-phuong-vo-su-mo-cua-don-khach-tro-lai-137603.html

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự," 2020. Accessed via https://laque.vn/lau-tu-phuong-vo-su-bac-khuyet-dai/ Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Trần Anh Đức, "Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự," Year unknown. Access via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pavillon_of_Four_Directions Unaltered from source photo.

Worship Halls

There are a total of five Worship Halls in the Imperial Citadel. On the southwest side are: Hiền Lâm Các, Thế Miếu, and Phụng Tiên Palace (Điện Phụng Tiên). On the southeast side are Thái Miếu and Triệu Miếu. They were built to worship various Nguyễn dynasty ancestors.

Multiple authors. "Hoàng Thành Huế." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated April 22, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF

Below is a picture of Hiền Lâm Các, Thế Miếu, and Hưng Miếu, in that order, looking north from above.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Khu vực Thế Miếu," Year unknown. Accessed via https://static.vinwonders.com/production/Nrwjr4jT-hue-imperial-city-2.jpg?_gl=1*1nskvx7*_gcl_au*MTkwMjUxMTY2Mi4xNzE5NjgxMjA0 Unaltered from source photo.

Hiền Lâm Các and the Nine Dynastic Urns

Hiền Lâm Pavilion is the Memorial Hall to observe the merits of the Emperors and Mandarins of the Nguyễn dynasty. It is located on the southwest side of the Imperial Citadel, looking north. In front of the Hall are the Nine Dynastic Urns. They were made of bronze and the castings were completed in 1837. The Urns were one of the few remarkable things, that were untouched from the up and down of this city history.

Source: Multiple authors, "Hiền Lâm Các." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated October 10, 2021. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi%E1%BB%83n_L%C3%A2m_c%C3%A1c

Multiple authors, "Cửu Đỉnh (nhà Nguyễn)." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated February 13, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BB%ADu_%C4%90%E1%BB%89nh_(nh%C3%A0_Nguy%E1%BB%85n)

Image source: Unknow photographer, "Hiền Lâm Các," 2022. Accessed by https://thuathienhue.gov.vn/Thong-tin-du-dia-chi/tid/Hien-Lam-Cac/newsid/E3FB6046-FCAE-42C5-832D-D5C6F08C7E84/cid/4E568EE4-C8BC-4F08-8B97-706999B99B37 Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Hiền Lâm Các," 2022. Accessed by https://thuathienhue.gov.vn/Thong-tin-du-dia-chi/tid/Hien-Lam-Cac/newsid/E3FB6046-FCAE-42C5-832D-D5C6F08C7E84/cid/4E568EE4-C8BC-4F08-8B97-706999B99B37 Unaltered from source photo.

Thế Miếu and Hưng Miếu

Thế Miếu, behind and opposite Hiền Lâm Pavilion, is purposed to worship the Emperors of the Nguyễn dynasty. Hưng Miếu, behind Thế Miếu, is purposed to worship the parents of Emperor Gia Long, the first Emperor of the dynasty. Emperor Gia Long's father did not become one of the Nguyễn Lords because the previous Lord's will, regarding the succession, was altered.

Source: Multiple authors, "Trương Phúc Loan." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Lát updated January 15, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%C6%B0%C6%A1ng_Ph%C3%BAc_Loan

Below are the pictures of Thế Miếu: from above, and the interior.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Thế Tổ Miếu," 2020. Accessed by http://visithue.vn/The-To-Mieu.html/?pid=MjAzMDd8Y3NkbGRs0 Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Thế Tổ Miếu," 2020. Accessed by https://khamphadisan.com.vn/the-to-mieu-noi-tho-phung-cac-vi-vua-trieu-nguyen/ Unaltered from source photo.

Below are the pictures of Hưng Miếu: from above, the main hall, and the interior. It has been funded to be repaired in the near future.

Image source: N. L., "Toàn cảnh di tích Hưng Miếu," 2024. Accessed by https://suckhoedoisong.vn/dien-mao-di-tich-trong-hoang-cung-hue-truoc-khi-tu-bo-tien-ty-169240718073457723.htm Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Hưng Miếu," 2020. Accessed by https://redsvn.net/chum-anh-hung-to-mieu-ngoi-mieu-dac-biet-cua-trieu-nguyen-o-hue2/, Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Hưng Miếu," 2024. Accessed by https://suckhoedoisong.vn/dien-mao-di-tich-trong-hoang-cung-hue-truoc-khi-tu-bo-tien-ty-169240718073457723.htm Unaltered from source photo.

Thái Miếu and Triệu Miếu

Thái Miếu, on the southeast corner of the Imperial Citadel, is purposed to worship the nine Nguyễn Lords. Triệu Miếu, behind it, is purposed to worship Nguyễn Kim, the father of the first Nguyễn Lord, Nguyễn Hoàng. Nguyễn Kim was a Grand Mandarin of the Later Lê dynasty, who was mainly responsible for restoring it from the Mạc's.

Source: Multiple authors, "Nguyễn Kim." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated May 29. 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nguy%E1%BB%85n_Kim

Below are the pictures of Thái Miếu and Triệu Miếu.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Khu vực Thái Tổ Miếu," 2021. Accessed by https://vnexpress.net/hien-trang-thai-to-mieu-truoc-luc-trung-tu-4269994.html Unaltered from source photo.

Thái Miếu is in need of restoring and it is currently in phase I of the process.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Thái Miếu," 2024. Accessed by https://codohue.vn/trieu-mieu-va-thai-mieu-noi-tho-cac-chua-nguyen/ Unaltered from source photo.

Below are the pictures of Triệu Miếu, which was restored in 2016 (partially funded by the United States): the exterior and interior.

Source: Unknown author. "Hoàn thành trùng tu Triệu Tổ tại cố đô Huế." toquoc.vn. Tổ Quốc. September 16, 2016. https://toquoc.vn/hoan-thanh-trung-tu-trieu-to-mieu-tai-co-do-hue-99156568.htm

Image source: Kien Nguyễn, "Triệu Miếu," Year unknown. Accessed by https://codohue.vn/trieu-mieu-va-thai-mieu-noi-tho-cac-chua-nguyen/ Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Di tích Triệu Tổ miếu nhìn từ bên ngoài sau khi hoàn thành trùng tu," 2016. Accessed by https://tienphong.vn/hoan-thanh-tu-bo-mieu-tho-trieu-to-tinh-hoang-de-nguyen-kim-post901625.tpo Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Nội thất bên trong Triệu Tổ miếu - Đại nội Huế," 2016. Accessed by https://tienphong.vn/hoan-thanh-tu-bo-mieu-tho-trieu-to-tinh-hoang-de-nguyen-kim-post901625.tpo Unaltered from source photo.

Phụng Tiên Palace

Phụng Tiên Palace, behind Hưng Miếu, was purposed to worship the deceased kings and queens. It was the only place, where female members of the royal family were allowed to participate. They were not allowed to do so in the other four Worship Halls. The palace was destroyed in 1947. Today, only the main gate, and the wall screen behind it, were restored.

Source: Unknown author. "Khám phá điện Phụng Tiên." Thừa Thiên Huế Online. November 26, 2023. https://baothuathienhue.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/kham-pha-dien-phung-tien-135279.html

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Điện Phụng Tiên," 2019. Accessed by https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/phuc-hoi-dien-phung-tien-bang-ky-thuat-ve-mau-tren-nen-vua-voi-xua-2019010907525609.htm#&gid=1&pid=1 Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Điện Phụng Tiên," 2021. Accessed by https://thanhnien.vn/dien-phung-tien.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Điện Phụng Tiên," 2019. Accessed by https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/phuc-hoi-dien-phung-tien-bang-ky-thuat-ve-mau-tren-nen-vua-voi-xua-2019010907525609.htm Unaltered from source image.

Diên Thọ and Trường Sanh Palaces

The Emperor's mother and grandmother resided in Diên Thọ and Trường Sanh Palaces. Diên Thọ Palace has a number of buildings. Below are the pictures of Diên Thọ Palace: from above, the main gate, Thọ Chi Môn, two of the buildings, the interior of one of the structures, and the garden.

Source: Multiple authors. "Hoàng Thành Huế." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated April 22, 2024. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Cung Dien Thọ," 2017. Accessed via https://vnexpress.net/dai-noi-hue-noi-nhat-hoang-ghe-tham-co-gi-dac-biet-3547949.html#lg=gallery&slide=7 Altered from source photo.

Image source: ST, "Cung Diên Thọ," 2018. Accessed via https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/cung-dien-tho-hue-78979 Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: ST, "Cung Diên Thọ," 2018. Accessed via https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/cung-dien-tho-hue-78979 Unaltered from source photo.

Image Source: Lưu Ly (thảo luận), "Lầu Tịnh Minh," 2008. Accessed via https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/cung-dien-tho-(dien-tho-palace)-51345.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Trần Anh Đức, "Nội thất trong cung Diên Thọ," Year unknown. Accessed via https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cung_Di%C3%AAn_Th%E1%BB%8D#/media/T%E1%BA%ADp_tin:N%E1%BB%99i_th%E1%BA%A5t_cung_Di%C3%AAn_Th%E1%BB%8D.jpg Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: ST, "Cung Diên Thọ," 2018. Accessed via https://www.vntrip.vn/cam-nang/cung-dien-tho-hue-78979 Unaltered from source photo.

Trường Sanh Palace is behind Diên Thọ Palace, in the northwest corner of the Imperial Citadel. Below are the pictures of the palace: from above, its ornate main gate, and the main buildings. The design of the gate is grand and exquisite.

Unknown photographer, "Cung Trường Sanh," 2017. Accessed via https://vnexpress.net/dai-noi-hue-noi-nhat-hoang-ghe-tham-co-gi-dac-biet-3547949.html#lg=gallery&slide=7 Altered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Trường An Môn," 2017. Accessed via https://hoiandanang.com/listing/cung-truong-sanh-hue/ Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Cung Trường Sanh," 2017. Accessed via https://hoiandanang.com/listing/cung-truong-sanh-hue/ Unaltered from source photo.

Royal Treasury

The Royal Treasury is behind Triệu Miếu. Below is a picture of a derelict building on this site. There is no current plan to restore it.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Phủ Nội Vụ," 2019. Accessed via https://vnexpress.net/kien-truc-phap-hon-100-nam-trong-dai-noi-hue-3888388.html Unaltered from source photo.

Royal Garden Cơ Hạ

The Royal Garden Cơ Hạ is one of the two gardens in the Imperial Citadel. The other is in the Forbidden Citadel. The Garden was neglected for many years and was not restored until 2012 and completed in 2014. Below are some of the pictures of what it looks like today.

Source: Unknow author, "Vườn Cơ Hạ - Nơi tụ hội của "kỳ hoa dị thảo" bốn phương." Thư viện Tổng hợp Thừa Thiên Huế. July 12, 2021. https://thuvien.thuathienhue.gov.vn/?gd=9&cn=28&tc=14106

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Vườn Cơ Hạ," Year unknown. Accessed via https://khamphahue.com.vn/Du-lich/Chi-tiet/tid/Co-Ha-Vien.html/pid/2428/cid/81 Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Thanh Toàn, "Vườn Cơ Hạ," 2019. Accessed via https://dulichhue.biz/vuon-co-ha-trong-kinh-thanh-hue.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Vườn Cơ Hạ," 2016. Accessed via https://baoxaydung.com.vn/khai-quat-khao-co-tai-di-tich-vuon-co-ha-hoang-thanh-hue-187508.html Unaltered from source photo.

Thái Hòa Palace

Thái Hòa Palace, the Throne Hall, is the most important structure in the Imperial Citadel. In this hall, thirteen coronations took place, from Emperor Gia Long to Bảo Đại. It is situated behind the Meridian Gate (Ngọ Môn). The palace is currently being restored and its completion is expected to be toward the end of November of 2024. I could hardly wait to see the result. Below are some of its pictures: from the Meridian Gate looking north (during restoration), looking south, and its interior (before being restored).

Source: Multiple authors. "Điện Thái Hòa (Hoàng thành Huế)." Wikipedia tiếng Việt. vi.wikipedia.org. Last updated November 28, 2022. https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90i%E1%BB%87n_Th%C3%A1i_H%C3%B2a_(Ho%C3%A0ng_th%C3%A0nh_Hu%E1%BA%BF)

Unknown author. "Thừa Thiên Huế: Điện Thái Hòa sẽ mở cửa đón khách tham quan vào tháng 11." Vietnam Travel. August 12, 2024. https://vntravel.org.vn/thua-thien-hue-dien-thai-hoa-se-mo-cua-don-khach-tham-quan-vao-thang-11-a5246.html

Image source: Unknown photographer, "Điện Thái Hòa," 2024. Accessed via https://baodienbienphu.com.vn/tin-tuc/du-lich/212987/dien-thai-hoa-va-dien-kien-trung-tai-hue-lan-dau-mo-cua-don-khach-dip-tet Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Nguyễn Do, "Điện Thái Hòa," 2024. Accessed via https://plo.vn/dien-mao-dien-thai-hoa-noi-dang-quang-cua-13-vua-trieu-nguyen-sau-hon-2-nam-trung-tu-post802564.html Unaltered from source photo.

Image source: Pham Hieu, "Bên trong Điện Thái Hòa," 2013. Accessed via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:B%C3%AAn_trong_%C4%91i%E1%BB%87n_Th%C3%A1i_H%C3%B2a(1).jpg Unaltered from source photo.

The Government of Việt Nam, its skilled craftsmen and talented artists, have been lovingly restored many of the damaged structures inside the Huế Citadel, that we see and enjoy today. Hopefully, it will be restored completely to its former splendor, in the near future. I hope you find my blog informative and enjoyable. Please look for Part 3 of my blog.