Hanoi Citadel By Vina.com
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Every country or every nation has thousands of historic years together with the tradition of building and defending the country. This is clearly expressed through historical relics and remnants of war. Some places are preserved intact and until today they become one of the well-known tourist attractions for domestic and foreign visitors. Notably, Hanoi Flag Tower can be referred to as the ancient castle with the serene and ancient beauty. This place is famous for its ancient architecture and many spiritual values which are unique for visiting. According to this article, you shall have more knowledge about the Hanoi flag tower and also the attraction of this historical monument. If you are on a journey to discover the history of Capital land, Hanoi flag tower will surely make you curious and want to visit.
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A Brief Overview of Hanoi Flag Tower
It is a tower-shaped structure built under the reign of Gia Long King of the Nguyen Dynasty and on the southern land of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This project took a very long time to complete, it was constructed in 1805 and finished in 1812. Hence, the architecture was so solidly and meticulously completed. It is currently located in the campus of Vietnam Military History Museum on Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Over the past two centuries, the damaged parts of Hanoi Flag Tower have been restored and renovated but it still remains the original appearance and majestic beauty. Therefore, this place is considered as one of the proud symbols of the city; one of the historical tourist attractions should not be missed.
Attractive Features of Hanoi Flag Tower
Walking on Dien Bien Phu street, you will see the image of the Hanoi flag tower standing in the middle of the capital sky. Thanks to that ancient and special image, everyone must take a look at the tower with their extreme curiosity and excitement. They do not know why the flourishing urban area has a very ancient and majestic feature of the flag tower like that. It is famous not only for its harmonious and sophisticated structure but also for its many artistic, historical and spiritual values.
Unique Structure
The structure of the flag tower consists of three basements and a high tower. The podiums have a truncated pyramid-shape that is smaller in size and stacked in sequence. The height of 41 meters of the flag tower and a balanced layout creates straight and solid lines for the Hanoi Flag Tower.
The way leading to the flag tower are twisted stoned steps. The construction materials are mainly bricks and stones from many different periods. According to the researchers, the first and second floors were built mainly of mallet bricks – the typical building bricks of the Le period. However, the third floor was created by overburnt bricks while the body of column here was built by light bricks. And each of the stairs at the third basement leading visitors to the flag tower body has 14 steps and iron handrails. This is also the floor that visitors want to stay for a while because they are on the top and can have a panoramic view of Hanoi Capital. Moreover, they can admire more clearly the traces and historical landmarks satisfying their exploring interests. Furthermore, the visitors completely have a cool and comfortable feeling inside the tower even if on the hottest day in Hanoi. Thanks to the scientific structure of the tower, water cannot flow into it no matter how heavy the rain is.
Additionally, the picture of a red flag with the yellow star has become a symbol in memories of Hanoi people and tourists who have been to the Capital. After the victory of the Hanoi liberation in 1954, all people were eager to celebrate the flag ceremony, and it was the first flag to be hung in the Hanoi flag tower. Besides, when the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was born, the image of the Hanoi Flag Tower was solemnly printed on the first-issued currency of the State Bank of Vietnam. Therefore, the flag has become the sovereign symbol of its country flying proudly in the freely blue sky and marks the historic landmark of humanity.
Furthermore, you can visit the outdoor display area of the Military History Museum of Vietnam. Prominently, there are Soviet warplanes, F-111 planes from the US and the bodies of French planes shot down in Dien Bien Phu. Everything here surprises and impresses domestic and foreign tourists. You can also visit some famous historical places nearby such as Guom Lake, Ba Dinh Square, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Or you can choose to watch people strolling around gardens and grasslands at Lenin Park.
Value of History
Beside the impressive structure, the flag tower also has the heroical historical values. It is deemed as the witness when recognizing ups and downs and changes of Hanoi land. It also remembers the indomitable and bravery of the capital people in the war against colonial aggression.
The Hanoi flag tower spent two centuries is still solemn despite bearing tragic traces of history. It witnessed many losses and sacrifices of the brave fighting heroes who defended the country such as Nguyen Tri Phuong, the governor – Hoang Dieu. And now looking up at the weathered Hanoi Flag Tower with time but still having a quiet, ancient and beloved beauty; you will cherish more what history has left. Hanoi Flag Tower always brings in its flair of the past and strong modernity of a developing city. This is a symbol of civilized Capital of the thousand years and an indomitable heroic dynasty.
Until now, when you look toward the national flag raising and the song “National Anthem” plays; you become even more proud and fall in love with its nation. Hanoi Flag Tower forever is a symbol of glory, a pride of the country, a belief of victory reviving the pages of heroic epic history. In short, this is a sacred symbol making the physique of the modern city. As the representative image of Vietnam country, people here have the willingness to rise with the high spirit of courage.
If you are history lovers, you should consider and plan for this trip here to get more experiences. The Hanoi Flag Tower opens for complimentary every day, except for Monday and Thursday for its maintenance. You could travel here alone or in a group and take pictures to keep memories and enjoy the view of Hanoi from above. Surely, you have an enjoyable experience by the attraction of the quiet and ancient beauty of Hanoi Flag Tower – the pride of Vietnam people.
By Thanh Ari
