Da Nang is not only famous for its captivating beaches and unique cuisine but also a treasure trove of history with many ancient relics. Among them, Dien Hai Citadel stands out as a historical witness, marking the heroic feats of the nation. If you are a lover of historical and cultural exploration, then Dien Hai Citadel is definitely a must-visit destination in your Da Nang journey. Let’s discover the interesting things about this historical site!
Dien Hai Citadel: A Fascinating Historical Tourist Destination in Da Nang
Dien Hai Citadel, an ancient military architectural work, is located right in the center of Da Nang city. This place is not only a special national historical relic but also an attractive destination for tourists due to its unique architecture and fascinating historical stories. Let’s explore the historical, cultural, and architectural values of Dien Hai Citadel, and useful experiences for a complete visit.
History of Dien Hai Citadel: From Earth Fortress to Special National Relic
Dien Hai Citadel has gone through many historical periods with different name changes. Initially, the citadel was built in 1813 under the reign of King Gia Long with the name Bao Dien Hai, located on the left bank of the Han River. In 1823, King Minh Mang moved the citadel to its current location, rebuilt it with bricks, and renamed it Dien Hai Citadel. This name has been used to this day, associated with important historical milestones of Da Nang.
Map showing the historical location of Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang
Dien Hai Citadel officially became the name of this construction in 1823.
In the years 1858-1860, Dien Hai Citadel played an important role as a stronghold, contributing to the fight against the French colonial invasion. With its strategic location and solid architecture, the citadel became a symbol of courage and fighting spirit of our soldiers and people. On November 16, 1988, Dien Hai Citadel was ranked as a National Historical Relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information, and in 2017 it was recognized as a Special National Relic.
Directions to Dien Hai Citadel
Dien Hai Citadel is located in the city center, very convenient for transportation. The specific address of the citadel is 24 Tran Phu Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City. You can easily get here by various means of transport such as motorbike, car, taxi, or bus.
Map showing directions to Dien Hai Citadel from My Khe Beach
Dien Hai Citadel is located in a central district of Da Nang City, making it quite easy to find.
If you are traveling from My Khe beach, you can go along Pham Van Dong Street, cross the Han River Bridge, then turn right onto Tran Phu Street. In addition, you can use Google Maps to find the shortest and most convenient route.
Explore the Unique Architecture of Dien Hai Citadel
Dien Hai Citadel is a unique military architectural work, built in the Vauban style of Europe. With a large total area, the citadel has a square shape with protruding corners to increase defense capabilities.
Panoramic view of Dien Hai Citadel architecture in Vauban style
Dien Hai Citadel is designed in the European Vauban style.
The height of the citadel is more than 5 meters, with a circumference of more than 556 meters, surrounded by a 3-meter deep moat. The citadel has two gates, the main gate in the South and the auxiliary gate in the East. Inside the citadel, there are many different architectural works, including a palace, a flagpole, and warehouses for gunpowder, ammunition, and food.
Admire the Ancient Cannons at Dien Hai Citadel
One of the most special features of Dien Hai Citadel is the collection of ancient cannons that are hundreds of years old. These cannons are made of various materials such as bronze, cast iron, and iron, with different sizes and weights.
Bronze cannons on display at Dien Hai Citadel
Dien Hai Citadel currently houses cannons made of bronze, cast iron, or iron.
Among them, there are cannons weighing up to 3 tons. Although they have gone through many years, these cannons still retain their original shape, which is proof of the excellent ancient Vietnamese gun casting techniques. In particular, a cannon discovered in 2008 is 2.8 meters long, with a head diameter of 23 cm and a tail diameter of 42 cm.
Tips for Visiting Dien Hai Citadel
To have a complete and meaningful visit to Dien Hai Citadel, you should note a few things:
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (may vary).
- Reference ticket price (2023): 20,000 VND/person (free for the elderly, students, pupils, children, people with disabilities, and permanent residents in Quang Nam, Da Nang).
- Best time to visit: Should come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
- Dress code: Should wear polite, discreet clothing to suit the historical relic space.
- Tour guide: If possible, hire a tour guide to hear detailed and interesting historical stories about Dien Hai Citadel.
Tourists visiting Dien Hai Citadel and learning about its history
Dien Hai Citadel is a beautiful architectural work located in the heart of Da Nang City
Conclusion
Dien Hai Citadel is not only a simple historical relic but also a cultural symbol, a historical witness of Da Nang. Visiting Dien Hai Citadel, you will have the opportunity to learn about the heroic history of the nation, admire the unique architecture, and discover profound cultural values. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Dien Hai Citadel during your Da Nang discovery journey. Hopefully, with the information and experiences in this article, you will have a truly meaningful and memorable trip.