HUẾ — Thái Hòa and Kiến Trung , the two most significant palaces in the Huế Imperial Citadel, will reopen to the public during Tết (Lunar New Year) 2024 following a long period of restoration.

Poems and paintings inscribed on the roof of Thái Hòa Palace. — VNA/VNS Photo Đỗ Trường

Thái Hòa Palace was built in 1805 during the reign of King Gia Long (1762-1820) of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

The palace symbolised the power of the Nguyễn Dynasty — the king's golden throne was placed inside — and served as a venue for many significant imperial events such as coronations, kings' birthdays and receptions for foreign ambassadors.

Nhất thi, nhất họa (painting placed adjacent to poem) is a unique decorative style in Thái Hòa Palace, which has been recognised as a documentary heritage in the Asia-Pacific region by UNESCO.

After undergoing a major restoration since November 2021, the palace is about to receive visitors again. The restoration will resume after Tết, and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Kiến Trung Palace will open to visitors for the first time.

It was built in 1921 by King Khải Định and became the residence of the entire family of Bảo Đại, son of Khải Định and the last king of the dynasty.

Kiến Trung Palace. — VNA/VNS Photo Tường Vi

Kiến Trung Palace showcases the amazing ceramic mosaic skills of Vietnamese craftsmen, and combines French, Italian and traditional Vietnamese architectural styles.

After the success of the August Revolution, Kiến Trung Palace was where Bảo Đại and the Provisional Government Delegation held a meeting to discuss abdication and handing over of power to the latter.

Unfortunately, the palace was destroyed during the war in 1947. In 2019 the Huế Monuments Conservation Centre began restoration of Kiến Trung Palace.

"This Lunar New Year Kiến Trung Palace will open for the first time to welcome visitors,” Hoàng Việt Trung, the director of the centre, said.

“We will display original artefacts associated with the history of the palace."

Huế Imperial Citadel, the former imperial capital of Việt Nam under the Nguyễn kings, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

The Huế Imperial Citadel, including the two palaces, will be open for free entry from February 10 to 12. — VNS