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| From Threeland Travel's Blog - August 2012 |
HANOI, 7 August 2012: The ancient site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi will undergo restoration, while a cultural and historical park will be added to the site, local media reported late last week.
The Hanoi People’s Committee announced, 1 August, a master plan to develop the ancient site of Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi into a cultural and historical park.
The decision is based on the Prime Minister’s approval last June, to develop the 45,380 sqm site into exhibit zones, archeological digs, green space, support areas and courtyards.
The 1,000-year-old citadel is located in Ba Dinh district and includes an archeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and a wider area that was once part of the citadel’s grounds. The site was unearthed in 2002 and was only recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2010.
The master plan of the citadel zone will cover 45,380sqm, including 13,670sq.m and 3,440sq.m exhibit halls used to display archaeological finds and a miniature replica of the ancient citadel.
Up to 21,200sq.m will be reserved for parks and green space, while research and excavation will continue on the 6,800sq.m archaeological site.
In addition, a tunnel will be built across Hoang Dieu Street to connect the archaeological site with the old citadel area to facilitate tours of the compound as well as to create a link between the site and the National Assembly House which is currently under construction.
According to the Hanoi People’s Committee vice chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, the key task is to select the best architectural plan for the zone, complete regulations and specific plans for investment, management, and preservation by the end of this year, while continuing archaeological research at the site and ensuring it is open to visitors.
Following the master plan’s announcement, Hanoi will draw up plans for buildings in the relic site and promote preservation and management of the relics. It is understood that the maximum height of newly built structures at the 18 Hoang Dieu Street site will not exceed 5m, and buildings in general will be limited.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was the cultural complex in Hanoi comprising Thang Long Imperial City during the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties and Hanoi citadel during the Nguyen Dynasty. The remains are roughly where the Hanoi Citadel stands today. The royal palaces and most of the structures in Thang Long were destroyed in the late 19th century, and today the ruins of the Thang Long Imperial City are still being excavated
(Vietnam Travel News)
