THANH HÓA — The US Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation will donate US$92,500 to renovate the Hồ Dynasty Citadel in the central province of Thanh Hóa.

The decision was made at a meeting between representatives from the fund and the Hồ Citadel Heritage Preservation Centre at the site on September 24, according to Thể Thao Văn Hóa (Sports & Culture) newspaper.

After being recognised as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2011, authorities and locals have overcome various difficulties to preserve, upgrade and promote the site.

However, time and weather had taken their toll on the citadel, especially the arched gate at the southern entrace, said Đỗ Quang Trọng, director of the centre.

Cracks of up to 5cm have appeared, and if nothing is done, the whole arch could collapse.

Moss has also turned the colour of the stone from ivory to dark green and black.

Experts from the foundation have agreed to renovate the arch and restore it to its original colour.

Renovation work is expected to take nine months.

The Hồ Dynasty Citadel in Vĩnh Lộc District was Việt Nam’s capital during the Hồ Dynasty (1398-1407). The dimensions of the citadel, which was built in 1397, are 870m by 883m.

It is the only citadel in the country built entirely of stone that has remained nearly intact throughout the nation’s history.

According to experts, the structure is an outstanding example of a new style of construction for a Southeast Asian imperial city. — VNS