The Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Thang Long Royal Citadel), Vietnam’s historic capital, was recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO at the 34th session of its World Heritage Committee in Brazil on August 1.
The site won the recognition thanks to three outstanding characteristics: the length of its cultural history, the continuity of the citadel as a centre of power, and the variety of relics it contains.
The Thang Long Royal Citadel includes an archaeological relic site over 47,000 sq.m at 18 Hoang Dieu Street, and the Hanoi Citadel on an area of 138,000 sq.m.
Relics found in the centre of the citadel show that it was influenced by many different cultures, theories, and systems of thought.
The centre of the citadel embodies the enduring cultural tradition of the people of Vietnam’s Red River Delta, a tradition which has existed for 13 centuries
Restoration of the Royal Citadel began in 2006 when it was officially recognised as a special national relic.
This is an event of great significance to Hanoi right before its 1,000th anniversary in October.
Source: Nhan Dan [August 02, 2010]