An Dinh Palace is one of Hue’s most remarkable heritage sites. UNESCO recognizes it as part of the Complex of Hue Monuments. The palace reflects Vietnamese architecture during the neo-classical period. It also connects closely to Empress Nam Phuong, the last empress of Vietnam’s feudal era.
2.History of An Dinh Palace
King Dong Khanh built the palace in the early 20th century. At that time, people called it Phung Hoa Palace. The king gifted it to Prince Nguyen Phuc Buu Dao.
In 1917, the prince became King Khai Dinh. He rebuilt the palace and renamed it An Dinh Palace. Later, in 1922, the king granted the palace to Prince Vinh Thuy, who would become King Bao Dai.
During this period, the royal family used the palace to host banquets and important ceremonies.
3.Architecture and Layout
An Dinh Palace faces south and stands on flat land near the An Cuu River. The site covers more than 23,000 square meters.
Originally, the complex included:
- A boat dock
- A main gate
- Trung Lap Pavilion
- Khai Tuong Tower
- Cuu Tu Dai Theater
- Gardens, lakes, and animal enclosures
Today, only three main structures remain well preserved: the main gate, Trung Lap Pavilion, and Khai Tuong Tower.
4.The Main Gate
The main gate features a traditional three-arched design. Builders created it with two levels and decorated it with detailed ceramic reliefs. These artistic details highlight the blend of Vietnamese and European influences.
5.Trung Lap Pavilion
Trung Lap Pavilion stands directly behind the main gate. The structure has a hexagonal shape and a raised foundation. Its roof covers eight sides and displays twelve dragons flying in different directions.
The pavilion’s corners resemble the image of the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” a popular motif in Asian culture.
In the past, a life-sized bronze statue of King Khai Dinh stood at the center. Today, visitors can find the statue inside the palace.
6.Khai Tuong Tower
Khai Tuong Tower is the most impressive building in the complex. It follows European architectural style and covers 745 square meters.
The tower includes:
- 3 floors
- 22 rooms
The first floor contains seven richly decorated rooms, including a grand hall. The second floor offers living and resting spaces. The third floor serves religious and ancestral worship purposes.
King Khai Dinh named the tower “Khai Tuong,” meaning a place of good beginnings and fortune.
7.Artistic Value and Restoration
Khai Tuong Tower stands out for its decorative art. Artists painted murals directly on the walls and created detailed exterior reliefs.
Notable artworks include murals of royal tombs such as:
- Gia Long Tomb
- Minh Mang Tomb
- Thieu Tri Tomb
- Tu Duc Tomb
- Dong Khanh Tomb
These paintings represent some of the finest Vietnamese mural art from the early 20th century.
Over time, the murals deteriorated. However, German conservation experts helped restore them carefully. Today, visitors can admire their original beauty once again.
8.Why Visit An Dinh Palace?
An Dinh Palace offers a unique mix of history, architecture, and art. It also provides insight into Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.
When visiting Hue, this palace is a must-see destination. It perfectly complements other famous landmarks in the city and adds depth to your cultural journey.
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