Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, Royal mausoleum and museum in Huế, Vietnam
The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is a royal tomb in Huế that sits atop Chau Chu mountain and can be reached by climbing 127 stone steps. The rectangular structure blends Vietnamese and European decorative elements throughout its design.
The emperor ordered construction of this tomb in 1920, which took 11 years to complete. The project proved so expensive that national taxes had to increase significantly to fund it.
The interior walls display glass and ceramic mosaics showing dragons that catch the light beautifully. The main shrine holds a black stone statue of the emperor seated on his throne, commanding the space.
The best time to visit is early morning when it's less crowded and sunlight illuminates the mosaics nicely. Wear comfortable shoes since climbing the many steps can be tiring.
Construction materials came from different countries: steel and cement from France, ceramics from China, and colored glass from Japan. This unusual mix makes the building an interesting example of cultural exchange.
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