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For generations who endured the war, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel has become a symbol of heroic memories. Today, it stands as a 'red address' for patriotic education and a magnet for domestic and international visitors.
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel – A Sacred Destination Preserving Heroic Memories through 81 Days and Nights
Quang Tri Ancient Citadel is a special national relic located in the center of Quang Tri Town. According to ancient records, the citadel was first built during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. In 1809, Emperor Gia Long ordered its relocation to Thach Han commune (its current location).
Initially, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel was constructed from earth, but in 1839, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, it was rebuilt using bricks, adopting a fortress architectural style. The citadel has a square shape, with a perimeter wall of over 2,000 meters, standing over 4 meters high, and with a base thickness of over 12 meters. It is surrounded by a moat, and protruding from each of its four corners are four bastions.
The citadel was constructed following the typical fortress architecture of Vietnam, with the perimeter wall made of large fired bricks bonded with lime and molasses. It features four main gates in each direction. Each gate consists of two levels: the lower level is constructed with arched vaults using the technique of 'four vertical stones, a horizontal one in between, and a keystone,' while the upper level is a pavilion built of bricks, with a curved roof covered in yin-yang tiles.
Within the citadel, numerous architectural structures were erected to serve the residence and work of the administrative agencies of the province at that time. Among them, the imperial court was a crucial structure, serving as the residence for the King and the venue for provincial officials' appointments or annual ceremonies.
In addition to the constructions built during the Nguyen dynasty such as the imperial court, weekly administrative office, criminal court, prison, examination hall... Quang Tri Ancient Citadel also had additional facilities like a nursing home, intelligence office, green barracks camp, tax department... when the French colonialists established their protectorate here in 1929.
By 1972, a fierce battle occurred here between our forces and the American - Nguy invaders for 81 days and nights. After our liberation forces captured Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the Americans, unwilling to accept the loss, launched a campaign to recapture the citadel and exert pressure on us before the Paris Peace Conference. Throughout 81 days and nights, the Americans unleashed over 328,000 tons of bombs on this place.
However, despite the rain of bombs and bullets, our liberation army continued to advance forward with resilience and lofty ideals. At the end of the battle, despite achieving victory, our forces suffered immense losses, with thousands falling forever. From then on, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel was dubbed the 'meat grinder,' while the Thach Han River was called the 'river of blood.'
People refer to Quang Tri Ancient Citadel as the 'graveyard without tombstones' because there is only one communal tombstone, a mass grave monument located in the center. At the base of the tombstone, it is shaped like an octagon, symbolizing the eight trigrams, with four stairways representing the four cardinal directions. On the top sacrificial offering layer is a stylized Vietnamese communal house.
In the center of the monument stands a symbol of an 8.1m high temple tree representing the 81 days and nights of intense bloodshed, likened to the torch of Fate. In the middle of the grave lies the 'soldier's kitbag,' containing the simplest and most humble items that accompanied the soldiers in every step of their journey.
Today, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel has transformed into a vast park where peaceful life unfolds. Upon arrival, everyone feels moved and emotional, as if this land holds something dear and warm. Each visitor here pays respectful homage, expressing gratitude for the noble sacrifices of the heroes.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourApril 27, 2023
