News » Headlines
US helps preserve UNESCO-recognised citadel
  • | dtinews.vn | October 27, 2018 12:05 PM
The US Embassy has just announced a grant of USD 92,500 to conserve the stone vault and the south gate of the Ho Citadel in the northern province of Thanh Hoa.


The U.S. Embassy’s Counselor for Public Affairs, Molly Stephenson, presents the grant to the Ho Citadel preservation project in Thanh Hoa Province


Speaking at a ceremony held at the Ho Citadel on October 26, U.S. Embassy’s Country Public Affairs Officer, Molly Stephenson, said that this grant was provided through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

The project will allow the Conservation Centre for Ho Citadel to conserve the stone vault and south gate, counter the effects of climate degradation, and ensure the integrity and beauty of the historic site. Once completed in 2019, the project will help commemorate the 25th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations.

"Through our support to conserve the stone vault and south gate of Ho Citadel, we express our deep respect for Vietnam’s rich legacy and traditions," Molly Stephenson said. "Cultural heritage offers a bridge between the past and the future, but also enriches our present day experience. We are honored to stand by your side today to help preserve this historic structure for the benefit of future generations.”

The south gate, measuring 34.85 metres in length, 15 metres in depth and 10 metres in height, was built of large rectangular and crescent stones. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of the Ho Dynasty Citadel.

 

Hồ Citadel South Gate in Thanh Hoa Province



However, after 600 years, the area is facing serious erosion. At sites of erosion, large slabs have slid dozens of metres from the base of the wall.

Speaking at the ceremony to announce the aid, Vice Chairman of Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee Pham Dang Quyen said the project showed a positive result in the cultural heritage preservation cooperation between Thanh Hoa province and the US Embassy in Vietnam.

It also consolidates and deepens the Vietnam-US friendship, he added.

Built in 1397 by the Ho dynasty as the capital of Di Ngu, Ho Citadel is unique for its outstanding construction technique, which used large blocks of stone, weighing from 10 tonnes to 26 tonnes each, carefully shaped, interlocked and elevated to about ten meters high. The citadel served as a military stronghold to protect the country from invasion, thus becoming a symbol of patriotism and national pride, and a witness of Vietnamese history during the late 14th and early 15th century.

Leave your comment on this story