At the very heart of the vast Hue Citadel lies the ImperialCity, also known as Dai Noi or the Great Enclosure. Over the past few years, this historic and unusually evocative part of the Citadel has undergone extensive restoration work, which has allowed more than just a glimmer of its former glory and grandeur to shine through. Entrance to this royal city is via the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, beyond which a bridge leads between lotus-filled ponds to the splendid ThaiHoaPalace. Behind this is an open courtyard that overlooks a stretch of land, once home to the ForbiddenPurpleCity.

Cot Co or FlagTower

Looming over the Citadel at a height of 120 ft (37m), the FlagTower or Cot Co has dominated Hue’s skyline since 1809, when Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820) erected it over a big 59-ft (18m) brick redoubt. On January 31, 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Cot Co achieved international recognition when the communist force seized the Citadel, hosting the National Liberation Front’s yellow starred banner on the FlagTower’s mast.

Nine Holy Cannons

Cast by Emperor Gia Long in 1803 as symbolic protection for his new capital, these colossal cannons were made out of bronze. Each weapon is said to represent one of the four seasons and five elements-earth, metal, wood, water, and fire. The cannons can be seen flanking the Ngan and Quang Duc Gates on their side of Cot Co.

Five Phoenix Watch Tower

Located above the huge stone slabs of the main gateway, this elaborate pavilion was where the emperor sat enthrone on state occasions. Viewed from above, it is said to resemble a group of five phoenixes. The middle section of the roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and decorated with dragons, banyan leaves, and bats, while the panels along the eaves are embellished with ceramic orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo mosaics. Above the pavilion, a concealed staircase leads up to a room from where women of the court could see through finely carved grills.

Thai Hoa palace

Originally built by Emperor Gia Long in 1805, Thai Hoa or Hall of Supreme Harmony housed the throne room of the Nguyen Emperors. The most impressive of Hue’s remaining palaces, it has been beautifully restored. It is easy to envisage the hall as the venue for coronations, royal anniversaries, and the reception of ambassadors. On these occasions, the emperor would sit on the resplendent throne, wearing a crown with nine dragons, a gold robe, jade belt, and other attire. Only the most senior mandarins were allowed to stand in the hall, while others waited outside.

Hall of the Mandarins

On either side of a paved courtyard, just behind Thai Hoa, are the Halls of the Mandarins. One hall was for the military, and the other for the civil mandarins. In keeping with their ranks, they would gather at their pavilions to dress in ceremonial robes for imperial functions. Some of these gorgeous vestments are now kept on display here.

Forbidden Purple City

No man except the emperor was permitted to set foot in the 25-acre (10ha) city-within-a city known as Tu Cam Thanh or ForbiddenPurpleCity-any male who crossed its threshold was condemned to death. Only the queen, nine separate ranks of concubines, female servants, and court eunuchs were allowed to enter.

Built during 1802 and 1833, the Forbidden City once comprised more than 60 buildings arranged around numerous courtyards, but unfortunately, it was damaged extensively by heavy bombing during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Royal Theater

Rebuilt in 1825, the Duyet Thi Duong or the Royal Theater is once again leading venue for traditional entertainment, offering the performances of Nha Nhac or court music. Declare a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of humanity by UNESCO, Nha Nhac features bamboo lutes, zithers, and fiddles, accompanied by drums.

Royal Library

In the northeastern quarter of the Forbidden City, the Royal Library was constructed by Emperor Minh Mang in 1821, as a retreat where he read in solitude. The well-restored building stands before an artificial pond, with a rock garden to its west. Small bridges, crossing other lakes and ponds, connect various galleries, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The library is now used to stage performances of Hue music, as well as various theatrical events.

Queen Mothers’ Residence

Once the exclusive preserve of the Queen Mothers, Cung Dien Tho or the Residence of Everlasting Longevity, was built in 1803 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. Recently opened to the public, the elegant building is surrounded by a wall that is pierced on the south by Cua Tho Chi or the Gate of Everlasting Happiness, inside the building, the crafted furniture is carefully inlaid with delicate mother-of-pearl, and carved lanterns hang from the ceiling, which is ornamented with fans made from feathers. To the east of the entrance to the palace is the Truong Du Pavilion, with a small artificial lake and a graceful rock garden.

Hung Mieu

Emperor Minh Mang built Hung Mieu in 1821 to honor his grandparents. The temple was renowned for its refined design and fine root carvings, but unfortunately was seriously damaged by fire in 1947 at the beginning of the first Indochina War, and is currently still awaiting full restoration.

The Mieu

Located in the southwest area of ImperialCity, The Mieu or the Temple of Generations is dedicated to the Nguyen Dynasty, and contains altars honoring emperors from Gia Long to Khai Dinh. The building has a roof of yellow glazed tiles, the ridge of whichis decorated in the shape of a wine gourd. The altars were once stacked high with gold ingots, but today these have been replaced with gilt and lacquer ornamentation.

Nine Dynastic Urns

Cast on the orders of Emperor Minh Mang, Cuu Dinhor Dynastic Urns of the Nguyen Dynasty weigh about two tons each. Decorated with traditional patterns, and rich in symbolic detail, they play a big role in the cult of imperial ancestor veneration.

Hien Lam Pavilion

Located in the center of the Mieu court, Hien Lam was built in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang to honor those who gave the great Nguyen Dynasty its formidable status. As a mark of respect, it was declared that no other building in the Citadel could rise higher than Hien Lam, which is distinguished by its pyramid shape, as well as its finely crafted wooden facade and brick paving.

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