The unique beauty of laterite citadel in Hanoi

The unique beauty of laterite citadel in Hanoi

Apart from the Thang Long Citadel and Co Loa Citadel, the capital also has another equally famous citadel of Ancient Citadel of Son Tay - one of the most beautiful citadel in the North.

About 45 km west of the center of Hanoi, the Son Tay ancient citadel is located between the two ancient villages of Thuan Nghe and Mai Trai, built by Emperor Minh Mang in 1822, as a military base to protect the Thang Long Citadel in the northwest.

This place is built mainly of laterite (construction materials typical of Son Tay) stacked in a quadrilateral structure.

Surrounding the city is a 3 m wide oak, about 2 km long.

Previously, the city has 4 gates built of ancient brick, corresponding to 4 east, west, south, north.

Each city gate has a guard and two cannons to defend the city.

However, through many events, only two canoes are kept in the northern gate.

The ancient ruins have been destroyed, the lines, traces of old enough to make visitors satisfied nostalgic.

The large buildings of the city are built in the north-south direction.

First, visitors will be surprised when the Tien Gate in the south, with ancient roots wrapped around, just mysterious ancient moss.

The 18 m high flag tower stands majestically on two levels of rock pedestal with barriers around the center of the citadel.

The flagpole carved holes of flowers and fan strips to illuminate the inner spiral staircase leading visitors to the top of the flagpole.

Here, visitors can admire the entire area of ​​ancient citadel and gather in the natural green of the green grass, the new rice cold leaves new leaves in the spring, March flowers, red phoenix is ​​a corner of the sky in summer, or yellow color of the wild boar in winter ...

Right behind the flag pole is Doan Mon.

Then, a large brick paved courtyard leads to the Kinh Thien.

This is where the king's affairs came with a mandarin.

In the east, there is a prison and payroll, while the west side is the Vo Mieu Temple, where people are sacrificed to defend the city. Next to the palace of the province officials.

If you visit the ancient city of Son Tay in the early spring, you will be able to admire the brilliant colors interwoven between the ancient trees and enjoy the mossy space.