WORDS ON THE STREET 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day Vietnam - Asia 2023 Smart City Summit Hanoi celebrates 15 years of administrative boundary adjustment 12th Vietnam-France decentrialized cooperation conference 31st Sea Games - Vietnam 2021 Covid-19 Pandemic
Home / My HaNoi / Heritage
Hanoi to restore Kinh Thien Palace
12:30, 2015/03/16
The Hanoi People`s Committee has approved the restoration of Thang Long Citadel Complex`s Kinh Thien Palace in Hanoi, which was used for royal meetings under the reigns of the Ly (1009-1225), Tran (1226-1400), Le (1428-1789) and Nguyen (1802-1945) Dynasties.
The Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Preservation Centre and the Vietnam Archaeology Institute started excavating the Kinh Thien Palace site in February, 2014. 
In recent years researchers have suggested restoring the palace, but they don't have enough information on the building's original architecture and measurements. Most of it was destroyed by the French in 1886. They left behind only the floor and a staircase bordered by two stone dragons. 

 
Tourists visit the Thang Long Citadel Complex's Kinh Thien Palace in Hanoi
Tourists visit the Thang Long Citadel Complex's Kinh Thien Palace in Hanoi
Scientists said that if they received enough support from concerned agencies, the rebuilding could be started within five years, once enough information on the palace's architecture was gathered. Under the recently approved project, scientists will do more research, design a 3D building plan and submit it to the authority by 2016. 
According to Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu (Complete Annals of Dai Viet), construction on Kinh Thien Palace began in 1428 under the reign of King Le Thai To and was completed under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. The palace is among the most important buildings in the citadel complex and was often used for Le kings' big diplomatic or political events.
After October 10, 1954, when anti-French resistance troops took over the city, the site was used as an office for the Ministry of Defence. In 2014 the Ministry gave part of the site to the city's administration. 
The Kinh Thien Palace relic is an essential part of the citadel. Doan Mon (South Gate) and Hanoi Flag Pole are positioned in front of the palace. Behind the palace is the Hau Lau Building and Cua Bac (North Gate). The eastern and western sides of the palace are also bordered with walls and smaller gates.
The stone dragons at the palace's staircase are considered a special piece of architectural heritage, representing sculpture art of the Early Le period.
Other news
16:32, 2024/11/02
Using technology at Hanoi's heritage: New experience for visitors
Monuments in Hanoi are undergoing restoration projects to improve their aesthetic appeal and better serve visitors amid rapid scientific and technological development.
17:55, 2024/10/12
Hanoi men keep flame of traditional craftsmanship alive
With a passionate love for their ancestors' crafts, many Hanoi craftsmen are dedicated to preserving and promoting the quintessence of craft villages.
10:47, 2024/09/30
Thousand years of dragon tales at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
With four thousand years of building and defending the country, the imperial citadel remains inspiring in telling the epic history of Thang Long-Hanoi.
11:31, 2024/09/16
Untold tale of Hang Dau Water Tower
Located in the heart of Hanoi's historic district, the French landmark building intrigues residents and foreign visitors to Vietnam's capital.
22:34, 2024/09/10
Hanoi's lively Mid-Autumn Festival a century ago
Color photos of Mid-Autumn Festival toys on Hanoi's Hang Gai Street, taken by photographer Leon Busy in 1915, offer viewers a glimpse into the past.
23:17, 2024/09/09
Kinh Thien Palace restoration: Reviving national history
The restoration of the Kinh Thien Palace is necessary to fully display the amazing cultural legacy that Vietnam's ancestors developed a millennium ago.