Layers of history spanning thousands of years
In 2010, the year of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long, the dossier for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a World Heritage site carried both pride and anxiety. Professor Phan Huy Le, then Chairman of the Historical Science Association, said that initially, researchers were quite confident about the Citadel's recognition. However, in June 2010, an announcement from ICOMOS (an independent professional organization reviewing the dossier) concluded that the heritage site, despite its very high value, was incomplete in terms of research and protection, and therefore needed to be postponed. This was only about two months before the meeting to review the dossier.
Kính Thiên Palace as seen through French documents.
PHOTO: ARCHIVE
Finally, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel dossier was approved by UNESCO to become a World Cultural Heritage site in 2010. A heritage site that served as a center of power through many periods – this is one of the public's perceptions of the Imperial Citadel. Since then, research on the Thang Long Imperial Citadel has been conducted continuously, revealing areas that were previously inaccessible to the public.
After the Imperial Citadel was recognized as a heritage site, the area in front of Doan Mon Gate became a popular spot for students to take graduation photos every year. This area has also been planned as a community activity space to promote the heritage value in accordance with commitments to UNESCO. One of the most renowned community activities ever held here is the Monsoon International Music Festival . The first season took place in 2014, featuring Vietnamese and international artists, with the opening night attracting approximately 10,000 spectators. In subsequent years, foreign audiences have traveled to Vietnam to see the Monsoon Festival …
The Imperial Citadel also attracts the public to experience areas related to military operations such as the D67 bunker and the Operations Department building. And to commemorate the 80th anniversary of National Day, the Cryptography Bunker - General Staff Headquarters was opened to visitors for the first time. This is part of the ancient Hanoi citadel tunnel system, built during the years of resistance for independence and national reunification, playing an important role in helping the General Headquarters of the Vietnam People's Army maintain direction, management, and command over the armed forces and fronts under conditions where Hanoi was under enemy air attack.
Golden Age and the Dream of Restoring the Kính Thiên Monument
During archaeological excavations, the glorious past of Thang Long Imperial Citadel always brings immense joy to archaeologists. "The discoveries underground are enormous. They give us a glimpse into the dynasties and magnificent architecture," said Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin, President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association.
Perhaps that is why, to better understand the Imperial Citadel, archaeological excavations have been carried out continuously since it became a World Heritage site. In addition, the enormous number of artifacts found through excavations are continuously cataloged and then displayed, attracting a large number of visitors. At Thang Long Imperial Citadel, many artifacts have also been documented to become national treasures, such as: the passes for palace maids entering and leaving the inner palace, models of early Le Dynasty architecture, and many ceramic artifacts… To date, the Imperial Citadel has 11 national treasures.
From the artifacts at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, valuable exhibition areas have been created. The most prominent is the exhibition in the basement of the National Assembly building about the Imperial Citadel, featuring many precious artifacts such as terracotta dragon and phoenix heads, a horse tomb, and artifacts showing the royal court's hobby of keeping pet birds… Another exhibition, also located within the Imperial Citadel, showcases imperial artifacts, with incomplete items restored using special techniques to reveal their original appearance and crafting methods…
However, the biggest dream of Thang Long Imperial Citadel today is the restoration of Kinh Thien Palace. Associate Professor Dr. Tong Trung Tin said that researchers have completed 60% of the process of understanding and restoring this palace. However, according to Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai, Chairman of the National Heritage Council, the restoration should not stop at the architectural shell, but should include specialized research to restore the interior.
A significant milestone was in 2024 when UNESCO gave the "green light" for the restoration of the Kính Thiên Palace, with Decision 46 COM 7B.43 agreeing with Vietnam's proposals on the orientation, vision for research, preservation, and development of the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site. Accordingly, some buildings may be modified to create space for the restoration of the Sacred Axis and the Kính Thiên Palace.
Most recently, in May 2025, General Secretary To Lam, during a meeting with Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, requested UNESCO to continue accompanying and supporting Vietnam in spreading Vietnamese cultural values to the world, preserving and promoting world heritage sites in Vietnam. Specifically, he requested continued support and advice to ensure that the dossier for the restoration of the Kinh Thien Palace and the main hall of the Kinh Thien Palace within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage site is approved by UNESCO as soon as possible. (to be continued)
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thanh-thang-long-giac-mo-hoan-thien-dan-185250831221607382.htm
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