Da Nang’s Dien Hai Citadel has been recognised as a special national-level relic site, following recent official approval by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Members from the National Heritage Council visiting the remains of the citadel

The happy news has been mainly attributed to the great efforts made by the city authorities in preserving and upholding the citadel’s special architectural and its historical values. 

Since the start of this year, a total of 80 local families living near the citadel’s western walls have moved out of the site to their new residential areas.  In addition, the construction of a storage centre in the northern side of the citadel has also halted.

Furthermore, the municipal government has given the go-head to the implementation of a research project featuring the restoration and embellishment of the citadel itself.  The project will be divided into 2 stages: 2017 - 2019 and 2019 – 2021 periods.  The 2 stages will feature seminars and talks to collect opinions from cultural experts about recreating garrisons, food and weapons storehouses, flag poles, and a watch tower as in the past, and about other related issues.

Situated on the western side of the Han River, the Vauban-style Dien Hai Citadel had 2 gates, the main one facing south and the other facing east. 

The citadel was one of the most important fortresses in Viet Nam in the 19^th century, and was recognised as a national historical relic on 16 November 1988 by the Ministry of Culture and Information. 

The remains of the citadel are located at 24 Tran Phu Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, and the Museum of Da Nang incorporates the reconstructed walls of the citadel.

Moreover, 9 other relic sites nationwide have also received the same prestigious recognition as the Dien Hai Citadel. 

These venues are the Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh Province, the Mao Dien Temple of Literature in Hai Duong Province, a historical site dedicated to the Ba To uprising in Quang Ngai Province, a site commemorating the 1950 Border Campaign victory in Cao Bang Province, the Long Doi Son Temple featuring exquisite architectural styles and historical values in Ha Nam Province, the Den Xua - Chua Giam - Den Bia complex in Hai Duong Province, the Hoanh Son in Nghe An Province and the Huong Son Tourist Area and the Chem Temple, both in Ha Noi.

To date, a total of 95 venues from across the country have been recognised as special national-level relic sites.