Gia Long Tomb (Thien Tho Tomb)

Huong Tho, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue

Gia Long Tomb, also known as Thien Tho Tomb (天授陵), is the resting place of Emperor Gia Long, the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Located in Huong Tho Commune, Hue, the tomb includes multiple imperial tombs within the royal family. It's an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy exploring freely and discovering the rich history of Vietnam.

Welcome to Gia Long Tomb, also known as Thien Tho Tomb, located in Huong Tho Commune, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. This is the resting place of Emperor Gia Long (1762–1820), the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Situated within the royal family area, Gia Long Tomb is truly a unique complex, intertwined with the history and culture of Vietnam.

Historical Journey

Gia Long Tomb commenced construction in 1814 and was completed in 1820. This project began after Empress Thua Thien Cao passed away on February 21, 1814. Emperor Gia Long instructed officials in Kham Thien Giam to find a suitable location for this large mausoleum. According to L. Cadière's records, the tomb has a circumference of up to 11,234.40 meters and includes several different tombs:

Quang Hung Tomb: of Empress Thai Tong Hieu Triet.
Vinh Mau Tomb: of Empress Anh Tong Hieu Nghia.
Truong Phong Tomb: of Emperor Tuc Tong Hieu Ninh.
Thoai Thanh Tomb: of Empress Hung To Hieu Khuong, Emperor Gia Long's mother.
Hoang Co Tomb: of Princess Long Thanh.
Thien Tho Tomb: of Emperor Gia Long and Empress Thua Thien Cao.
Thien Tho Huu Tomb: of Empress Thuan Thien Cao, Emperor Minh Mang's mother.

Majestic Architecture

The entire tomb complex is planned on a range of 42 hills, with Dai Thien Tho as the largest and the main front hill. This space holds not only historical value but also stunning natural beauty, with a fresh and tranquil atmosphere.

The tomb is divided into three main areas:

Tomb Area: The resting place of the emperor and Empress Thua Thien Cao, with Buu Thanh built on the hilltop, where two stone graves lie, following the concept of “The harmony of Heaven and Earth virtues."
Temple Area: Including Minh Thanh Temple, where the emperor and empress are worshipped. The temple is designed simply, symbolizing completeness.
Stele Pavilion Area: Recording the merits of Emperor Gia Long through the stele text “Holy Virtue, Divine Merit” inscribed by Emperor Minh Mang.

Cultural Beauty

Gia Long Tomb is not only a place that marks historical memories but also a beautiful picture between nature and architecture. Visitors come here to admire the beauty of the construction and to feel the reverence for the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Gia Long Tomb was recognized as a national monument by Decision No. 2890-VH/QD dated September 27, 1997, by the Ministry of Culture and Information, affirming its cultural and historical value.

Come and experience the serene and poetic space at Gia Long Tomb, where history and nature blend, bringing moments of relaxation and reflection on Vietnamese life and people. Explore freely and discover history through your own steps!

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