Members of the National Heritage Council have agreed to recognise the Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang as a National Special Relic.

Protection: A section of front wall and tunnel at the citadel. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Director of the city’s Department of Culture and Sports Huynh Van Hung told Viet Nam News that a meeting of the 25-member council decided this on Tuesday.  The agreement will be sent to the Prime Minister for approval.

Mr Hung said it was a great endeavour to protect the relics that symbolise the history and foundation of the city.

Still in use: A gate at the citadel. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

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.  The site has been restored and is expected to become an attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors.

War hereo: A gate and statue of General Nguyen Tri Phuong, is seen at the citadel. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Mr Hung said the citadel, which was listed as a national historical monument in 1988, needed space for restoration and tourism.

Last year, the city proposed that 11 iron cannons cast during the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1860, and unearthed at the citadel between 1979 and 2008, be recognised as a national treasure.

Boom: A cannon set near the front wall of the citadel in Da Nang. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

The cannon collection and citadel are closely linked to Nguyen Tri Phuong (1800 - 1873), a famous general who commanded an army and civilians in fighting against French-Spanish coalition forces in 1858 - 1860.

Peaceful: A corner of the citadel— VNS Photo Cong Thanh

Da Nang has a total of 50 historical sites and 18 national historical monuments which included in the city’s restoration project for the 2016 - 2020 period.

(Source: DA NANG Today/ VNS)