North Gate Monument

The North Gate, also known as the Northern Gate or North Gate, is the only remaining city gate of Hanoi from the Nguyen Dynasty, built in 1805. The gate faces north-west at a 15-degree angle and is trapezoidal in shape.

The rectangular stone gate has a decorative lotus petal border. Above the main arch is a stone plaque inscribed with three Chinese characters, "Chính Bắc Môn" (North Gate), with a raised floral pattern on the border. Next to it is a stone plaque dated April 25, 1882, and two cannonball marks, remnants of the French colonial invasion of Tonkin and the resistance of the Vietnamese people and army at that time.

The southern side features a border decorated with lotus flowers made of joined stone slabs; the lotus petals are large, with blunt tips, and inside are decorated with three layers of swirling patterns, with a fiery sword depicted in the center of each petal. Two stone gutters decorated with swirling cloud patterns are also placed on this side.

Although the North Gate was built by the Nguyen Dynasty, at the foot of this imposing gate lie layers upon layers of ramparts and fortifications from previous dynasties, affirming the continuity of the Imperial Citadel's thousand-year history.

The North Gate monument before restoration.

In 1998, at the North Gate site, at depths of 1.66m and 2.20m, archaeologists also found many architectural remains, including traces of a section of city wall built with stone and brick.

Currently, the watchtower at the North Gate is dedicated to two governors, Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu, who sacrificed their lives when Hanoi fell to the French army. Many people still regularly go to the North Gate watchtower to light incense and remember these two valiant heroes – after whom posterity respectfully named the two modern roads running on either side of the ancient citadel.

Today, the North Gate has become an interesting tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors. It is not only a remaining relic of the ancient Hanoi citadel but also a testament to the heroic battles fought by the people and soldiers of Hanoi in the early days of resistance against the French colonial invasion and occupation of Hanoi.

Source: https://special.nhandan.vn/ditichchinhbacmon/index.html