Buzz
An Lăng Huế, a part of the Hue Imperial City heritage site, officially welcomed visitors on August 1st following a multi-year restoration project costing 40 billion VND.
The History of An Lăng Huế
An Lăng Huế, located in An Cựu ward, is the final resting place of three Nguyen Dynasty kings. While simpler compared to other royal tombs, it retains distinctive architectural features. Restored in 2017, it has now opened its doors to the public. The tomb's construction history is intertwined with the region's turbulent past.
After Emperor Tự Đức's passing, Ưng Chân (his adopted son) ascended the throne on July 19, 1883. Known by his residence name, Dục Đức, his reign lasted only three days before he was deposed for three offenses: attempting to alter the royal decree, wearing colored clothing during mourning, and engaging in debauchery. On October 24, 1884, the unfortunate emperor died of starvation in prison. His body was wrapped in a mat and carried by two soldiers for burial.
The body was intended to be buried at Tường Quang Pagoda in An Cựu. However, it fell to the ground en route. A soldier rushed to the pagoda to seek the monks' assistance. Ultimately, it was decided to bury Emperor Dục Đức at that very spot. Six years later, his son ascended the throne as Emperor Thành Thái and began constructing his father's tomb. Built in early 1890, this tomb is the An Lăng Huế we see today.
Architecture of the Royal Tomb
Due to their anti-French activities, Emperors Thành Thái and Duy Tân were exiled to the island of Réunion. In 1953, Emperor Thành Thái returned to Vietnam and passed away in 1954, being buried within the grounds of Dục Đức Tomb. Emperor Duy Tân died in a plane crash in Central Africa in 1945. In 1987, his remains were repatriated and buried beside Emperor Thành Thái's tomb. Thus, An Lăng serves as the shared burial site for three generations: Dục Đức (father), Thành Thái (son), and Duy Tân (grandson).
Compared to other royal tombs, Dục Đức Tomb features a more modest architectural design. The tomb consists of two main areas: Long Ân Temple, used for worship, and the burial site. The rectangular burial area lacks a Bi Đình pavilion and stone statues. Access to the tomb requires passing through two triple-arched gates. On either side lie the tombs of Emperor Dục Đức and Empress Từ Minh. Notably, a screen wall in front of the emperor's tomb displays the double happiness symbol, crafted from ceramic tiles.
Long Ân Temple is a structure built according to a traditional model. Inside, there are three altars dedicated to the emperors' memorial tablets. Behind the temple, once the private quarters for the emperors' consorts, the area has now been expanded. This section also includes the tombs of Emperor Thành Thái's wives and some of Emperor Duy Tân's siblings. Additionally, An Lăng Huế houses 39 tombs of royal family members and 121 earthen graves belonging to the imperial lineage.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnAugust 8, 2024
