Minh Mang Mausoleum - a space steeped in tradition in the ancient capital of Hue.

Minh Mang Mausoleum (Hieu Lang) is located about 14km from the center of Hue City, on Cam Khe mountain, at the confluence of the Ta Trach and Huu Trach rivers, which merge to form the Perfume River.

The resting place of the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty is considered one of the three most famous mausoleums within the complex of historical relics of the ancient capital of Hue.

Even during his reign, Emperor Minh Mạng wanted to build a mountain mausoleum for rest and as a place for ancestral worship after his death. After 14 years of searching, Cẩm Khê mountain was chosen as the location for this project.

The main gate area of the mausoleum is called Dai Hong Mon, with a height of 9m, a width of 12m, and features the distinctive architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Notably, the Great Red Gate was only opened once, when the coffin of Emperor Minh Mạng was brought into the mausoleum. Currently, the main gate is always locked, and the entrance is covered by a large patch of grass in front.

Similar to many tombs, the Bai Dinh area is designed to be spacious and features numerous statues of civil and military officials, elephants, and horses arranged symmetrically.

The perimeter walls of these buildings are uniquely designed and remain almost intact after nearly 200 years.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of visitors to the mausoleum has decreased.

The patterns on the bronze finial are exquisitely carved.

In the Sùng Ân Palace area, where the ancestral tablets of the emperor and empress are kept, many treasures are preserved. Pictured is the Imperial Seal of Mandate, cast in 1827, which Emperor Minh Mạng used to bestow imperial decrees upon civil and military officials and subjects.

Another highlight of the Minh Mang mausoleum is the system of lakes surrounding the mausoleum area, creating a harmonious and poetic beauty.

Behind the imperial chambers is the Minglou Pavilion, where the emperor rested and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere after hours of court sessions.

The final section of the mausoleum is the Thong Minh Chinh Truc Bridge, leading towards Buu Thanh (the city wall surrounding the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang).

After crossing the Thong Minh Chinh Truc bridge, visitors must climb 33 more steps to reach the entrance to Buu Thanh.

Minh Mang Mausoleum is considered one of the most majestic and exemplary mausoleums in the architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. Currently, Minh Mang Mausoleum is a popular destination for young people to visit, take photos, and learn about Vietnamese history.

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/photo/lang-minh-mang-khong-gian-dam-net-truyen-thong-o-co-do-hue-898338.html