We have seen many fortresses, but we have never seen anything like this. The architecture of the Thang Long Citadel in Hanoi is a wondrous combination of massive stone gates with graceful curved roofs and skillfully carved dragons.
“I have never seen such fortresses,” said Arian.
On the one hand, unlike European ones, it seems small. Ours were usually built on hills, which made them more reliable, but this fortress is extremely beautiful and elegant. The Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the oldest historical center of the city. It was built in the eleventh century on the ruins of a Chinese fortress, and for almost a thousand years it remained the center of political power. The most interesting part of the complex is the majestic Flagstaff Tower and Doan Mon Gate, which have preserved the spirit of ancient dynasties.
Interestingly, during the war with the United States, a secret underground command bunker was located here, where strategic decisions were made. Arian adores bunkers and explained to Donna with knowledge of the matter what they were for.
-When the enemy attacked the Vietnamese, they hid in bunkers deep underground so that they would not be killed, - he said.
-Wow, there is such a huge table and chairs here, - Erica was surprised.
-This is where the country's leadership made important decisions when Vietnam was at war with the United States, - explained Arian.
Now the citadel creates an amazing contrast between medieval architecture and modern military history.
Next, we headed to the Jade Mountain Temple. It is located on the Lake of the Returned Sword, the name of which is associated with the legend of the liberation struggle. In the 15th century, the Vietnamese lands were captured by the Chinese from the Ming Dynasty, which brought a lot of suffering to the people. The main character of that time, Le Loi, led the resistance, having received a magic sword from a divine turtle. Thanks to this weapon, he defeated the invaders and restored the country's independence. When the ruler celebrated the victory on a boat, the turtle took the sword back into the depths, symbolizing the coming of peace. Today, this temple on the water is a symbol of invincibility and national pride. The famous red bridge “The Hook” leads to the territory of the shrine, which harmoniously combines architecture with nature.
Erica liked the sculptures of huge turtles in the temple. When she learned that the turtle helped defeat the enemies, she said that she was just like the Ninja Turtles, who also help everyone. And I really liked the idea of building a temple on the lake and the small red bridge that leads to it. It is very cute and romantic.
On the shores of the vast West Lake, we saw as many as three pagodas. The oldest in the city - Tran Quoc - stands out with its tall red tower on a peninsula. Not far from it is the majestic Quan Thanh Temple, famous for its huge bronze statue of the protector of the north. The last of this row is the Van Nien Pagoda, which attracts travelers with its cozy wooden architecture and atmosphere of peace away from the main tourist routes. To get to it, we took a taxi, because it would have taken a whole hour to walk around the entire lake.
Next, we headed to St. Joseph's Cathedral, which is the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi. It was built by the French at the end of the 19th century on the site of an ancient pagoda. The building is built in a magnificent neo-Gothic style and visually resembles Notre Dame de Paris with its two massive towers. Dark gray walls, covered with the patina of time, give the building a special medieval charm among the bustling streets of the Old Quarter.
#ecency #travel #travelwithus #ourvietnamtrip 
