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Quang Tri province is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also has a fascinating historical relic: the ancient citadel of Quang Tri. This is a destination that attracts tourists for its unique architecture and mysterious history.
This old citadel was a witness to one of the bloodiest war periods in Vietnam, which is why this place now also holds extremely great historical value for the Vietnamese people. Let's explore the interesting experiences at the Old Citadel in this article!
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1. Introduction to The Ancient Citadel of Quang Tri
The ancient citadel of Quang Tri is a special national monument located in Quang Tri City. This is the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty and an important military citadel in Quang Tri District. During the French colonial period, this place was the center of Quang Tri province. Especially during the year 1972, this place was known worldwide because it was associated with the heroic 81-day national war.
Today, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel has become a must-see historical attraction on your trip to Quang Tri. It is considered a grave-less cemetery for all the soldiers who sacrificed their blood for the country's independence and freedom. On December 9, 2013, the Old Citadel was classified as a special national relic associated with this painful but heroic event.
2. Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - A Heroic History
During the reign of King Gia Long, the ancient citadel was built in Tien Kien district (now Trieu Thanh commune, Trieu Phong district, Quang Tri). In 1809, King Gia Long moved the citadel to Thach Han commune (i.e., district 2, Quang Tri town, as it is today). Initially, the citadel was covered only with earth and only in 1837 was it rebuilt in brick during the reign of King Minh Mang. Also, in 1929, French colonialists built an additional prison here, where they imprisoned and tortured Vietnamese patriots.
According to the original architecture, the ancient Quang Tri citadel has a square shape, over 4 meters high, and the perimeter of the walls over 2,000 meters. The citadel has a fortified moat system surrounding it with four forts protruding from the four corners. The wall is solidly built with large baked bricks bound with lime, molasses, and other additives. This is the architectural style of an ancient Vietnamese citadel with 4 main gates in the east, west, south, and north directions.
Throughout the historical period from 1809 to 1945, this place was considered a military stronghold and administrative headquarters of the Nguyen Dynasty. This was also the place where major battles took place in 1968 and 1972, creating a glorious story of the nation. After the campaign in the summer of 1972, the entire Quang Tri Citadel was almost flattened and only one door facing the East remained while other sections of the city wall and the outer trenches all have traces of being bombarded.
3. Unique Architecture Of the Quang Tri Citadel
In the 1990s, this ancient city was restored by rebuilding bullet-damaged sections of the city walls and the four main gates. A completely new memorial is built in the central area of the city and is considered a shared grave for thousands of soldiers who fell in the fierce 1972 war.
The memorial is designed in an octagonal shape, with four passages and a courtyard for incense offerings. In addition, to reach the memorial, visitors must climb a total of 81 steps, symbolizing 81 days and nights of fierce battle in the ancient citadel of Quang Tri.
In the southwest is a modern building that displays historical relics and emotional letters sent by soldiers to their families during the battle. Parallel to the right gate, there is also a large park, which connects the relic to the Thach Han River.
Moreover, there is also a bell tower in the ancient citadel of Quang Tri, which was inaugurated on April 29, 2007. On the tower stands a 3.9m high bronze bell that has a diameter of 2.15m weighing nearly 9 tons. The bell hangs nearly 10 meters high and is often rung on holidays and the full moon day of each month to commemorate the souls of martyrs.
4. Things To Do At The Quang Trinh Ancient Citadel
The Old Citadel is an attractive destination for tourists who want to choose Vietnamese history and culture tours. When you come here, you can take a tour of historical relics or learn about the yin and yang philosophy in the architecture of the Old Citadel.
Visit historical sites
Visitors can explore typical historical relics of the ancient Quang Tri citadel such as underground tunnel systems, city gates, temples,... This is an opportunity to help you better understand the struggle against enemies and the heroic combat history of this area during the Vietnam War. Additionally, on the grounds of the Ancient Citadel, there are also many other works such as museums, bell towers, etc.
Visit The Park And The Square
When visiting Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, visitors can combine visiting parks and squares near the Thach Han River area, with diverse entertainment activities. You can also enjoy local specialties right at the stalls in the park.
Experience Spiritual Tourism At Night
Tourists not only have the opportunity to explore tourist attractions during the day but can also participate in spiritual experiences at night at Quang Tri Citadel. This is a new tourism product that Quang Tri province is developing to attract domestic and foreign tourists.
During the night tour, tourists can visit the martyrs' cemetery and release flower lanterns on the Thach Han River. This tour also combines visiting the famous Hien Luong and Ben Hai banks of Quang Tri province.
5. NOTES
Opening hours and ticket prices
- Quang Tri Ancient Citadel is open to visitors from 07:00 to 17:00 daily. Even on holidays or Sundays, the relic site still operates normally to serve the needs of tourists.
- Currently, visitors (both adults and children) can visit Quang Tri Citadel relics for free. If you want to offer incense or hire a tour guide, you need to spend a small fee, from 350,000 VND/group.
- To register for the incense offering ceremony, you need to contact the monument management board and comply with the regulations.
Above is information about Quang Tri's ancient citadel that you need to know to prepare for your next trip. With heroic history, unique architecture, and significant activities, this place is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Quang Tri Province.
See more about Vietnam's historical lands:
>> Hien Luong Bridge - A War Storyteller of Quang Tri Travel
>> Central Heritage Journey from Quang Binh to Quang Tri - 06 Days
