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Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
Having witnessed historical periods filled with resilience, the Ancient Citadel was a site of courageous struggles in our nation's history. Let's discover the entire memorial area and intriguing experiences at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel in the following article!
Discover the beauty of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. @Phong Nha Explorer
1. Overview of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, also known as Quang Tri Citadel, is a special national monument located in Quang Tri town, Quang Tri province. It served as the royal headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty and was a strategic military fortress in Quang Tri province. During the French colonial period, it was the center of Quang Tri province. Especially, during the 1972 general offensive and uprising, it gained global recognition, being inseparable from the heroic 81-day battle of the nation.
Historical depiction of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel area. @Phong Nha Explore
Today, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel has become an unmissable historical site in Quang Tri tourism. It stands as a solemn memorial for all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation. On December 9, 2013, the Ancient Citadel was classified as a special national monument, commemorating the historic 81 days and nights.
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel has been classified as a special national monument. @Health & Lifestyle
2. Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Chronicles of Heroism
During the reign of King Gia Long, the Ancient Citadel was constructed in Tien Kien ward (now Triệu Thành commune, Triệu Phong district, Quang Tri). In 1809, King Gia Long relocated the citadel to Thach Han commune (now Ward 2, Quang Tri town, as its current location). Initially, the citadel was only made of earth and it wasn't until 1837 that it was reconstructed with bricks during the reign of King Minh Mang. Additionally, in 1929, the French colonialists built prisons here to detain and torture our nation's heroes.
Also Read: Holy Land of La Vang - Where inner peace is found
According to the original architecture, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel had a square shape, with a height of over 4m and a wall circumference of over 2,000m. The citadel featured a robust moat system with four protruding corner fortresses. The walls were solidly constructed with large-fired bricks and bound together with lime, molasses, and various additives. This represents the ancient fortress architecture of Vietnam, complete with four main gates facing East, West, South, and North.
The surviving relics of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel to this day. @VIN
Throughout the historical period from 1809 to 1945, this place served as a military citadel and administrative headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty. It was also the site of major battles in 1968 and 1972, contributing to the glorious history of the nation. After the Thanh Co Campaign in the summer of 1972, almost the entire Quang Tri Ancient Citadel was flattened, with only one gate facing East remaining. Additionally, other sections of the fortress walls and surrounding moats show signs of damage from bombings.
This place served as a military citadel and administrative headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty. @VnExpress
3. Explore the unique architecture of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel today
In the 1990s, this historical site underwent restoration efforts, including the reconstruction of damaged fortress walls and restoration of the four main gates. In the central area of the citadel, a completely new memorial was erected. This memorial is considered a collective tomb for the thousands of soldiers who fell during the fierce 81-day battle in 1972.
A memorial stands in the central area of the citadel. @cpc
The memorial is designed in an octagonal shape, with four ascending pathways and a fragrance offering floor. This design symbolizes the eight divinatory trigrams, four symbols, and the dual ceremonial levels. Above is a beautifully decorated roof, featuring traditional peaceful design. Additionally, to ascend the memorial, visitors must climb a total of 81 steps, symbolizing the 81 intense days and nights of combat at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.
The traditional-style roof is exquisitely designed. @Quang Binh Travel
To the southwest, there is a modern building showcasing historical artifacts and poignant letters sent by soldiers to their families during the battle. Running parallel to the main gate, there is also a spacious park, connecting the historical site to the Thach Han River.
Also read: Vinh Moc Tunnels - Rediscovering the underground village
The museum is located within the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel grounds. @Phong Nha Explorer
Additionally, within Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, there is a bell tower inaugurated since 29/04/2007. The tower houses a bronze bell measuring 3.9m in height, 2.15m in diameter, and weighing nearly 9 tons. The bell is suspended at a height of around 10m and is often struck on special occasions and full moon days each month to honor the souls of the fallen soldiers.
Image of the bell tower within the precincts of the historical site. @Redsvn
4. Exciting Experiences at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
The Ancient Citadel is a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore and learn about the history and culture of Vietnam. Here, you can take a tour of historical relics or delve into the yin-yang philosophy embedded in the architecture of the Ancient Citadel.
Explore historical relics
When visiting, tourists can discover the distinctive historical relics of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, such as the system of underground tunnels, city gates, citadels, etc. This is an opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding of the resistance against the enemy and the heroic combat history of this region during the intense war in Vietnam.
Explore the historical relics of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. @Government Electronic Newspaper
Moreover, within the precincts of the Ancient Citadel, there are various structures like museums, bell towers, etc. So, visitors can spend time exploring all these locations. Additionally, you can capture commemorative photos with friends and family to record memorable moments at this sacred historical site.
Capture memorable photos at the Ancient Citadel. @People's Representative Newspaper
Visit the park and square
When exploring Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, tourists can also visit the park and square near the Thach Han River area, offering various recreational activities and entertainment. Additionally, visitors can indulge in local specialties at the stalls in the park.
Experience night-time spiritual tourism
In Quang Tri, tourists not only have the opportunity to explore tourist attractions during the day but can also participate in spiritual experiences at night in Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. This is a new tourism product that Quang Tri province is developing to attract domestic and international tourists to the region.
The beauty of the memorial at night. @Phong Nha Explorer
When you visit, you will be reminded of the memories of ancient epic battles through meaningful activities such as exploring Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, visiting the martyrs' cemetery, and releasing lanterns on the Thach Han River. This tour also combines visits to the famous Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai Riverbanks in Quang Tri province. This not only brings curiosity and excitement to tourists when visiting historical sites but also creates a solemn atmosphere for the fallen soldiers on this sacred land.
Meaningful lantern releasing activity. @Health & Life Newspaper
5. Exploring Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Tips
Opening hours and ticket prices
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel opens its doors for visitors from 07:00 to 17:00 daily. Even on holidays or Sundays, the historical site operates normally to meet the needs of travelers from all directions.
To reach the memorial, visitors must climb a total of 81 steps. @laodongcongdoan
Currently, visitors can explore Quang Tri Ancient Citadel for free, including adults and children. Additionally, if you wish to offer incense or hire a guide, you will need to incur a small fee, approximately 350,000 VND per group. To register for the incense offering ceremony, please contact the site management and comply with the regulations for a solemn ceremony.
Also Read: Bac Huong Hoa - the “Dalat version” of Quang Tri
Tourists can register for incense offerings at the memorial. @Government Electronic Newspaper
Getting There
For travelers coming from afar, traveling by plane will significantly save you travel time and provide the most convenient journey. Since Quang Tri currently does not have an airport, you can purchase plane tickets to Hue or Dong Hoi. Afterward, continue your journey by interprovincial bus to Quang Binh town.
As Quang Tri Ancient Citadel is located right in the center of Quang Binh town, on Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 2, visitors can reach here using various modes of transportation. However, most tourists opt to rent a self-driving motorbike for convenient exploration of other famous attractions in Quang Tri.
The Ancient Citadel is an attractive tourist destination in Quang Tri province. @wikimedia
Accommodation Options
Based on travel experience to Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, consider staying at hotels in Dong Ha city for easy access to the historical site and other famous local attractions. Here are some suggestions from Mytour for your trip:
Golden Hotel provides high-quality resort services. @Hotelmix
Sai Gon Dong Ha Hotel is equipped with modern amenities. @Hotelmix
Muong Thanh Grand Quang Tri offers various room types. @Hotelmix
Additionally, you can find more information about other hotels in Quang Tri such as the best hotels in Quang Tri, budget-friendly hotels in Quang Tri, etc., right on Mytour.
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
