Son Tay Ancient Citadel, Military fortress in Son Tay, Vietnam.
Son Tay Ancient Citadel is a square-shaped fortress with laterite walls measuring 4 meters thick and covering 16 hectares. Four gates positioned at cardinal points are connected by stone bridges that cross through the interior.
Emperor Minh Mang ordered the construction of this military stronghold in 1822 to defend the northern region against potential foreign invasions. It served as a strategic barrier during a period when the kingdom faced external threats.
The Kinh Thien Palace inside served as a royal residence and a place for religious ceremonies during the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can walk through the spaces and sense how important this location was for daily life and spiritual practices.
The fortress sits about 40 kilometers from Hanoi and is accessible by regular bus services. Comfortable shoes are recommended since exploring the vast grounds and walking along the walls involves considerable walking.
Four deep wells made of laterite sit at the corners of the citadel, built with internal staircases allowing access down to about 6 meters. These wells were essential for the fortress's water supply and reveal how carefully the structure was planned.
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