Kinh Thien Palace – Journey to Discover the Historical and Cultural Roots of Thang Long

Kinh Thien Palace – the sacred heart of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, once the center of power and a symbol of the feudal dynasties of Vietnam for centuries. Tatinta is honored to accompany you on this journey to explore this significant historical landmark.

1. Overview of Kinh Thien Palace – A Gem in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Kinh Thien Palace, located at 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, is a symbol of power of the Later Le Dynasty.

Journeying back to the 15th century, Kinh Thien Palace was built in 1428 during the reign of King Le Thai To, marking the beginning of the Later Le Dynasty. It was not only a place where kings held court and discussed state affairs but also a venue for important ceremonies such as coronations and sacrifices to heaven and earth. In 1816, King Gia Long rebuilt Kinh Thien Palace, transforming it into a residence for the Nguyen kings when they traveled to the north. In 1841, King Thieu Tri renamed the palace Long Thien. The stone steps and dragon carvings in front of the palace have been preserved since the Le So period (15th century). However, in 1886, the French colonialists demolished the palace to build the headquarters for the artillery command.

Today, although only the foundation and some relics remain, Kinh Thien Palace still holds a strong attraction, serving as a historical witness to the enduring and developing nation.

2. Unique Architecture – Mark of Time

Visiting Kinh Thien Palace, you will feel the majesty and grandeur through its traditional royal architectural style.

Palace Foundation: Built high and wide with three layers of green stone steps, each layer bearing the dragon motifs of the Le period. The intricate dragon carvings symbolize power, strength, and prosperity.

Main Gate: In front is Doan Mon, the main entrance leading to Kinh Thien Palace. It retains its ancient beauty with delicate decorative patterns.

Surrounding Space: The vast grounds are surrounded by relics such as the Hanoi Flag Tower, Hậu Lâu (Princess's Palace), Bắc Môn (North Gate), and remnants of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Each detail tells a story of history and culture.

3. Historical Value – National Pride

Kinh Thien Palace not only marks feudal power but also reflects many important historical events. It was the venue for royal courts, receptions of foreign envoys, and grand ceremonies. Particularly, during the resistance against the French, this area was used as a command center. Thus, Kinh Thien Palace carries cultural significance and symbolizes the resilient spirit of the nation.

4. Experiential Activities at Kinh Thien Palace

When visiting Kinh Thien Palace, you will have the opportunity to participate in many meaningful activities:

Exploring Thang Long Imperial Citadel: Walk through nearby areas such as Hau Lau (Princess's Palace) and Bac Mon (North Gate) to feel the ancient atmosphere.

Participating in Incense Offering Ceremonies: On certain major festivals, incense offering ceremonies are held here to honor ancestors and predecessors.

Taking Souvenir Photos: With its solemn and romantic scenery, this is an ideal spot to capture beautiful moments.

5. Spirit and Emotions at Kinh Thien Palace

Dear visitors, Kinh Thien Palace is not just a historical relic but a place that touches the heart of every Vietnamese. Stepping onto the ancient foundation, listening to stories of thousands of years, we relive the prosperous periods of the country. Let the majesty and solemnity of this place evoke national pride and love for our roots.

6. Conclusion

We have just explored Kinh Thien Palace – a convergence of Vietnamese culture, history, and spirit. I hope you not only gain more knowledge but also feel the profound beauty of this site.

Notes for Visiting

To ensure a complete visit, please keep the following in mind:

• Respectful Dress: This is a sacred place, so choose appropriate clothing to show respect.
• Preserve Cleanliness: Help protect the heritage by not littering and not touching the artifacts.
• Visiting Hours: Kinh Thien Palace is open during business hours, so plan accordingly to have enough time for exploration.