Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel, one of the most important cultural and historical relics of our country. This place is not only a witness to the glorious history of the early nation-building period but also an attractive destination with fascinating legendary stories.

1. Location and Overview of Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel is located in Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, about 17 km north of the center of Hanoi. This was the capital of the Au Lac state under King An Duong Vuong, built in the 3rd century BC, making it the oldest capital in the history of the Vietnamese nation. With its large area, unique spiral-shaped walls, and remaining relics, Co Loa Citadel is considered one of the most unique architectural military works of ancient Southeast Asia.

2. Geographical Context

During the Au Lac period, Co Loa was strategically located at the apex of the Red River Delta, an important intersection of water and land routes. It is a highland area on the left bank of the Yellow River (now only a small stream). The Hoang River was once a major branch of the Red River, connecting with the Cau River and the Thai Binh River system, creating an important waterway transportation network.

This location makes Co Loa a central trading hub, easily connected to the northern, coastal, and northeastern regions. Co Loa was also Phong Khe, a fertile delta region with a dense population and developed agriculture, handicrafts, and fishing. The move of the capital from Phong Chau to Co Loa marks a shift in the center of power from the midland to the delta, reflecting social, economic, and agricultural development, particularly in wet rice cultivation techniques.

Co Loa Citadel was built from earth, as there were no fired bricks at that time. Archaeologists have discovered the technique of reinforcing the citadel with large and small stones, creating a dense hydrological system around it, favorable for building a strong naval base. Thuc Phan (An Duong Vuong) recruited carpenters to build warships and blacksmiths to forge weapons, producing staffs, swords, spears, and crossbows for the army. Archaeological evidence shows that tens of thousands of bronze arrowheads were manufactured here.

3. Legends of Co Loa Citadel

The story of Co Loa Citadel is associated with two famous legends:

An Duong Vuong Building the Citadel
According to legend, when King An Duong Vuong chose the land to build the capital, he faced difficulties as the construction continuously collapsed. With the help of the golden turtle god (Kim Quy), the citadel was completed with a spiral shape and became the capital of Au Lac. Kim Quy also gave the king a magical crossbow to protect the country.

My Chau - Trong Thuy
The tragic story of My Chau and Trong Thuy is a profound lesson about loyalty, love, and the danger of underestimating the enemy. The goose feather coat leading the enemy, the fall of Au Lac, and the death of An Duong Vuong became historical symbols and valuable lessons about maintaining national independence.

4. Unique Architecture of Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel was built on a large scale, consisting of three main rings:
• Inner Citadel: Rectangular in shape, with a circumference of about 1.7 km, it was the residence of the king and royal family and the political center of the capital.
• Middle Citadel: Polygonal in shape, with a circumference of about 6.5 km, surrounding the residential area and officials.
• Outer Citadel: With a circumference of about 8 km, enclosing the entire area, serving protective and defensive purposes.
The citadel rings were constructed in a unique spiral shape, with a total length of up to 16 km. The walls were made of earth, averaging 4-5 meters in height, with the base of the walls about 20-30 meters wide. The surrounding moat system not only helps with defense but also facilitates convenient waterway transportation.

5. Main Attractions in Co Loa Citadel

5.1. Temple of King An Duong Vuong

The temple was built on the site of the old palace, where King An Duong Vuong once ruled. The temple has ancient architecture and a tranquil atmosphere, where people come to offer incense and remember the contributions of the king who founded the nation.

5.2. Princess Temple (My Chau Temple)

Princess Temple is dedicated to Princess My Chau, the central character in the tragic story with Trong Thuy. Visitors here can listen to the tearful love story and feel the deep human values.

5.3. Ngoc Well

Located near My Chau Temple, Ngoc Well is where Trong Thuy is said to have committed suicide after realizing his mistake. The well's clear water is associated with the legend that My Chau's jade comb made the well's water glimmer.

5.4. Remaining Citadel and Moat

The remaining vestiges of the citadel rings and moats help visitors visualize the grandeur of the ancient Au Lac capital. These remains also testify to the military talent and defensecapabilities of King An Duong Vuong.

6. Cultural and Historical Significance of Co Loa Citadel

Co Loa Citadel is a symbol of the brilliant Dong Son culture, demonstrating the remarkable military, architectural, and artistic development of the ancient Vietnamese people. This relic not only has historical value but also reflects strategic thinking and the aspiration to maintain national independence. Additionally, the legends associated with the citadel have deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese consciousness, becoming historical and moral lessons for future generations.

7. Conclusion

Co Loa Citadel is not only a historical relic but also a place that preserves the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the Vietnamese people. Visiting this site, you can admire its ancient beauty and relive the heroic historical stories. Take some time to visit Co Loa Citadel, feel the blend of past and present, and cherish the cultural values ​​left by our ancestors.

Visiting Experience
When visiting Co Loa Citadel, you can:
• Explore Ancient Architecture: See the citadel rings and moats firsthand and feel the grandeur of the Au Lac capital.
• Listen to Legends: Learn about the emotional historical stories and legends.
• Participate in Festivals: If you visit at the beginning of the year, you can join the Co Loa Festival with traditional activities such as processions, Quan ho singing, and folk games.

Visiting Tips:
• Wear comfortable and respectful clothing.
• Do not litter and keep the relic area clean.
• Bring water and a hat to avoid the sun.