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 Straddling
the banks of the Perfume River, this historic city dates back to
1687, and was the scene of two great battles: with the French in
1885, and during the Vietnam War in 1968. Its tourist attractions
are centred in the Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, several pagodas,
and the Citadel. Hue' was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
in 1993.
The Citadel - Surrounded by a moat 30 metres wide and 4
metres deep, construction was begun in 1804, originally using earth,
and later layered with brick. Inside, the Emperor presided over
official duties in the fortified Imperial Enclosure with 6-metre
high walls. Within this lay his private quarters, which only the
Emperor and his immediate court were allowed to enter, and appropriately
names the Forbidden Purple City. The Citadel has a total of 10 fortified
gates reached by bridges spanning the moat.
The Emperors'Tombs - These impressive mausoleums, final
resting places of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors (1802-1905) are located
along the banks of the Perfume River, the furthest 16 km. south
of the city. Each is unique, designed by each emperor during his
lifetime. All of them are interesting, but the most frequently visited
are the impressive Tomb of Tu Duc, and the beautiful majestic Tomb
of Minh Mang.
Thien Mu Pagoda - Founded in 1601 and rebuilt several times
since, this imposing site with its 21 metre high octagonal tower,
is famous throughout Vietnam. Contained in the complex are an interesting
stele, plus a huge bell, weighing over 2,000 kilos, and audible
for miles.
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