Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital carries many architectural works of great historical significance, along with traditional festivals that have been handed down until now, making many curious visitors want to visit. The following article will be your luggage if you want to visit here.

Introducing the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

In the late 10th century, Hoa Lu was the capital as well as the economic, political and cultural center of Dai Co Viet, an independent Vietnamese polity founded in 968 A.D. by the local warlord Đinh Bo Linh (posthumously known as Dinh Tiên Hoàng, or “First Dinh Emperor”), following years of civil war and a violent secessionist movement against China’s Southern Han Dynasty. Hoa Lu was the native land of the first two imperial dynasties of Vietnam: the Đinh founded by Dinh Tien Hoang, and the Early Le founded by Le Dai Hanh. Following the demise of the Lê Dynasty, in 1010 Ly Cong Uan, the founder of the Ly Dynasty, transferred the capital to Thang Long (now Hanoi), and Hoa Lu became known as the “ancient capital.

The unique architecture of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a special cultural-historical relic complex, attracting the great number of both domestic and foreign tourists. They will have a chance to admire charming natural landscapes, along with precious monuments in the ancient land. Come here to visit the ancient capital and vietnam tours to relive with heroic moments of national history.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital consists of 2 layers of Citadel side by side and adjacent a mountainous area. According to the arrangement of Dinh Le Dynasty, 3 layers were divided into the East, the West and the South Citadel. The South Citadel only played the role of an arduous military base; it is often called Trang An Citadel. Meanwhile, the other citadels are home to the palace which should also be referred to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. When King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long, Hanoi in 1010, Hoa Lu officially became the Ancient Capital.

Image of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital today is not intact as before, but replaced by temples and shrines. Accordingly, the Temple of King Dinh – King Le was built on the foundation of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Two temples separated about 500m, so tourists often called “Hoa Lu Ancient Capital” “Temple of King Dinh – King Le”.  Currently, the complex of Hoa Lu monuments has retained around 30 relics, 2 typical of which are King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple. There are also a great number of temples and pagodas thousands of years also contributing to highlighting the architectural works in the main palace.

One of the unique architectures in the ancient capital is the Temple of King Dinh – worshiping King Dinh Tien Hoang. Later Le Dynasty was restored and rebuilt the temple a few hundred meters from the foot of Ma Yen Mountain. Over 4 centuries, the temple has retained the majesty and tranquility thanks to stunning architectural works: Ngo Mon Gate, Lotus pond, flower garden, or inner gates… The temple also owns 3 pavilions: the outer one is a sanctum, the middle is called Thien Huong worshiping 4 “pillars’ of the imperial court, namely  Dinh Dien, Nguyen Bac, Trinh Tu, Luu Co, and the inner worship, King Dinh Tien Hoang at the chancel, along with 3 princes: Dinh Lien, Dinh Toan and Dinh Hang Lang. The walkways and walls around of the temple are covered with the moss overtimes, and surrounded by lush evergreen gardens. In particular, front of the temple’s main entrance has put monolithic Long Sang (the bed for Kings) with a pair of many vivid shellfishes.

The decorative patterns, flowers, pictures of animals… were sophisticatedly carved around “Long Sang”. Shortly before King Dinh Temple, tourists will meet Ma Yen Mountain looking like a saddle. After climbing up 265 steps to the top of the mountain, tourists will witness the tombs of King Dinh. The tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang was built of gray stone, situated on the mountain peak and surrounded by fresh vegetation. In particular, tourists can admire panoramic views of Hoa Lu monument complex as an ink-washing painting.

Hoa Lu ancient capital is one of four regions of the World Heritage (UNESCO)

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only the complex of special national monuments but also one of 3 areas forming Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which has been officially enrolled in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. Back to Hoa Lu, tourists will be immersed in the wonderful beauty that nature has bestowed upon this sacred land; simultaneously, admire the ruins of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and ascertain much more about architecture, art, culture, and society of the Vietnamese. It significantly contributes to promoting Ninh Binh tourism to both domestic and international tourists

The historical area of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a project of great historical significance that the previous generation has preserved and preserved until now. Tourists book tour Hanoi–Ninh Binh-Trang An-Sapa to see firsthand the natural beauty.