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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Hué
- The Citadel
The Citadel
Constructed by Emperor Gia Long in 1804 for the private use of
the emperor and his household, the enormous moated Citadel is
comprised of three separate walled enclosures. The outer citadel,
surrounded by a six-mile (10km) perimeter wall punctuated by 10
gates, frames the Imperial Enclosure used for official business. At
the very centre is the Forbidden Purple City, the restricted
residence of the emperor and his concubines. This once magnificent
Imperial City originally included many magnificent features, with
tombs, pagodas and temples, lakes and lavishly gilded pavilions.
Today remnants of the palaces contain ornate ceremonial halls and
throne rooms, mosaics adorn roofs and pillars, and beautiful
landscaped gardens surround the remaining buildings. Sadly much was
destroyed during the Vietnamese War, and a fire further damaged the
Forbidden Purple City, but it is still possible to see evidence of
its past glory. The main entrance is through the Ngo Mon Gate (Noon
Gate), a stunning example of Nguyen architecture, with separate
entrances for the emperor, his mandarins and the royal elephants. A
soaring multi-roofed pavilion used for important royal
proclamations, sits elegantly on top.
Information & Facts
Address
North bank of the Perfume River
Admission
55, 000d, concessions available
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Opening Times
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.