Quang Tri Ancient Citadel

To create a strategic administrative, military, and defensive center, in 1809, King Gia Long ordered the construction of the Quang Tri citadel on the banks of the Thach Han River. During the reign of King Minh Mang, in 1837, the Hue court mobilized 4,000 people to rebuild the citadel using large-sized fired bricks.

The citadel is square-shaped, with a perimeter of nearly 2,200 meters, a height of over 4 meters, and a base wall thickness of over 12 meters. It was designed in the style of Vauban citadels (a famous model of comprehensive defensive fortifications in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries). At the corners of the citadel, protruding ramparts were positioned to enhance observation and control of the entire surrounding area. Around the citadel was a system of moats 3-4 meters deep (with drainage and collection channels connected to the Thach Han River) acting as a natural protective barrier.

The ancient citadel has been restored almost to its original state - Sketch by 11th grade student Le Tran Mai Han

81 Days and Nights of Fierce Battles - Sketches by Fashion Designer Le Quang Khanh

The citadel has four arched gates (facing East, West, South, and North), each approximately 3-4 meters wide. In front of each gate is a bridge (built in the shape of an arch) spanning a moat. A guardrail runs along the base of the citadel. Watchtowers are located on top of the gates for observation.

Layout of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Sketch by Architect Bui Hoang Bao

A panoramic view of the ancient citadel and the Thach Han River during peacetime - Sketch by artist Tran Binh Minh

The memorial and wreath-laying dock, on the banks of the Thach Han River, connected to the western gate of the ancient citadel - Sketch by architect Thang Ngo

According to the Quang Tri Provincial Museum , within the citadel was the Royal Palace (about 500 meters from the Front Gate), where the king rested when visiting. The Royal Palace had a circumference of about 400 meters, built in the style of a traditional Vietnamese house (three bays, two wings), with a yin-yang tiled roof and gilded columns. In front of the Royal Palace was the Flag Tower. Behind the Royal Palace were the residences and offices of the officials. In the late 19th century, the French added a police station, prison, post office , and infirmary.

Memorial to fallen soldiers - Sketch by architect Nguyen Dinh Viet

The city gate faces south, with a bridge crossing a wide moat - Sketch by architect Thang Ngo

The city gate before the war - Sketch by architect Tran Xuan Hong

Under the Republic of Vietnam regime (1954 - 1971), the citadel underwent further changes in appearance and function.

Devastation after the war - Painting by architect Hoang Dung

The 1972 battle destroyed most of the ancient citadel - Painting by architect Phung The Huy

The fiery summer of 1972 - Painting by architect Phung The Huy

After the 81-day and 81-night battle (June 28, 1972 - September 16, 1972), the ancient citadel was almost completely destroyed, except for the Right Gate (east side). The memorial, built in 1997, resembles a mass grave. The central altar, 8.1 meters high, symbolizes the 81 days and nights of fierce fighting.

Red Rain - Painting by artist Cong Thang

The monument is located in the center of the ancient city, like a communal tomb, according to the yin-yang concept, with four entrances in four directions - Sketch by architect Thang Ngo

War scars on the East Gate of the ancient citadel, with bullet marks on the gate and two iron doors - Sketch by artist Tran Binh Minh

Recently, the film "Red Rain," which recreates the 81 days and nights of defending the ancient citadel of Quang Tri, also reached a historic revenue milestone of over 600 billion VND.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thanh-co-quang-tri-185250913194421059.htm