Ho Citadel Named as World Heritage

At the 35th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France held by UNESCO, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty has officially been recognized to be Vietnam’s 7th World Heritage. Built in the year of 1397, the Citadel was built by Ho Quy Ly and served as the capital of the Ho Dynasty. It was also known as Tay Do (Western Capital) to distinguish with Dong Do (Eastern Capital) which was Thang Long – Hanoi. After building the Citadel, Ho Quy Ly moved the capital from Thang Long to Tay Do; however, the Ho Dynasty only lasted for seven years from 1400 to 1407.

The Citadel is the only singular and extraordinary stone citadel in Vietnam. Stone walls entirely cover four sides of the architecture with the total of nearly 100.000 m3 of soils were used. The Citadel was recognized as national heritage from 1962; documents submitted to UNESCO in order to be recognized as world heritage were launched from 2006.

As of July 2011, Vietnam has already had four relics which were recognized as world heritage including the Ancient Town of Hoi An, Forbidden city of Hue, My Son Sanctuary and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi. Additionally, Vietnam also possesses two natural world heritage which are Halong Bay and Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.