Imperial Citadel to become historical park

The Hanoitimes - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed Decision No. 696/QĐ-TTg o­n June 8, 2012 approving the plan to preserve the Thang Long Imperial Citadel at 18 Hoang Dieu street in Hanoi and turn it into a cultural history park.

The Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site and the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi are to become a cultural and historical park to promote the global value of the 1,300 year-old relic site.

The plan supports the long-term conservation of the architectural vestiges and archaeological artifacts that have been unearthed, and honour their tangible and intangible cultural heritage for future generations. It aims to promote the Citadel’s 13 century history and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Citadel was recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in July 2010.

Under the PM’s instructions, the master plan will preserve the architectural vestiges, artifacts and archaeological remains. It will also establish an architectural harmony between the landscape and the Ba Dinh Political Centre.

Covering an area of 45,380 sq.m., the proposed site is located inside the Ba Dinh Political Centre, next to the National Assembly House now under construction.

As planned, the project will cover 45,380 square metres, consisting of a 13,674m2 archaeological site, 3,438m2 for various exhibits, and 21,195m2 of green space. as well as an o­ngoing 6,803m2 archaeological dig and 6,214m2 of courtyards and roads.

There will be four entrance gates, o­ne each o­n Hoang Dieu, Doc Lap ( Independence ), Hoang Van Thu, and Bac Son streets. The main gate will be located at the corner of Hoang Dieu and Bac Son streets and two main routes to visit the relics are being organised along with footpaths connecting different points of interest.

The Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site will be linked with the NA House and the Citadel relics by four gates o­n Hoang Dieu, Doc Lap, Hoang Van Thu and Bac Son streets to make it easier for visitors