Overview
The citadel in Hanoi was founded in AD 1010, when Lý Thái Tổ moved his capital to Thăng Long, today’s Hanoi. It remained the political centre of Đại Việt under the Lý, Trần and Lê dynasties for nearly eight centuries.
Description
Surviving monuments of the central sector include the Doan Mon gate, the dragon-balustraded steps of the former Kinh Thien palace from the 15th century, and the flag tower of 1812. The archaeological site at 18 Hoàng Diệu street, excavated from 2002, revealed superimposed foundations, wells and artifacts of the successive dynasties.
History and legacy
The citadel also served as a military headquarters during the Vietnam War. In 2010 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its thousand-year continuity as a seat of power.