Some information about the history of Son Tay ancient citadel

Son Tay ancient citadel which is located in the middle of Son Tay town, more than 40km away from the center of Hanoi is an ancient military architecture that is built in 1822 during the reign of King Minh Mang. This ancient citadel was built of laterite in Vietnam with a total area of ​​16 hectares in unique architectures such as laterite walls, 4 gates built of ancient bricks. This is one of the few citadels in the reign of Minh Mang still exist today, the citadel was built solidly to protect the land northwest of Thang Long.

After nearly 200 years, devastated by many wars and times, Son Tay Ancient Citadel was largely destroyed, leaving only the wall, front door, back door, two cannons and some ruins such as The gazebo, the base of Royal step-over place, the well...

Son Tay Citadel was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national architectural-historical relic in 1994. Today, this citadel still exists in the center of Son Tay town, Hanoi and has become a historical relic and military architecture.

How to go to Son Tay Ancient Citadel

It is not too difficult to go to Son Tay Ancient Citadel, just like a backpacking trip near Hanoi. It's not far from the city center to Son Tay commune, the citadel is at Le Loi ward. There are many ways to move here, you can go by motorbike, car, public car or even bus. Spending a full day sightseeing is enough.

Personal car or motorbike:

Follow the national highway 32. Go straight to Son Tay town about 42Km to the ancient citadel. Motorbike is still the most ideal choice if you want to explore on your own.

Bus:

Bus routes 70, 71, or 77 will take you to the citadel.

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Attractions of Son Tay Ancient Citadel

Isolated from the hustle and bustle of life in the center of the capital, the citadel has an ancient beauty with typical feudal architecture. According to the flow of time, many walls are covered with green moss, but it has become an interesting corner of virtual living for young people.

According to historical records, Son Tay Ancient Citadel has a circumference of 1306.8 meters. The large water surface surrounding the citadel is 1792 meters, 26.8 meters wide and 4 meters thick. The citadel's wall was built about 4.4 m high. If you look from afar, you will see that the wall is very solid, the space is spacious amidst the wonderful natural scenery. The wall was built according to the old architecture, so it feels rustic and wild.

Built in the style of France's Vauban architecture, the square citadel is 400m in length and 5m in height. Its wall was 4m wide, with holes at the top for soldiers to hide inside and attack their enemies using spears or broadswords. 

The citadel had four gates facing east, west, south and north, called the Front (Tien), the Back (Hau), the Right (Huu) and the Left (Ta). Each entrance has a guard tower. From the left door, visitors will look directly to Phung Khac Khoan street (or the old Nghe market). On the right side, you will see Tran Hung Dao street and the front door is Quang Trung street. Especially the back door looks directly to the Red Riverbank. The location of the citadel is considered extremely favorable because it is easy to observe the enemy from all sides.

Inside the main citadel, there is an 18m-high platform with windows that take advantage of natural sunlight. This was the watchtower of the Annamite soldiers at that time. Having the opportunity to go deep inside the tower, visitors will see the spiral architecture like Co Loa citadel. At the foot of the main tower, there are two large wells, the light shining down on the well surface will create a sparkling and peaceful ray. 

The Royal step-over place and Vong Cung Gate are probably the most prominent beauty in Son Tay Ancient Citadel. In the past, the Royal step-over place and Vong Cung gates were the resting places of the kings on great occasions of worship. This place is arranged with a solid protection system with green bamboo ramparts and large cannons. When the enemy invades the cannons will immediately attack to protect the king.

With a large scale and unique geographical position, Son Tay ancient citadel appears to be a solid, majestic and magnificent citadel, known as the greatest defensive place in the history of the country.