Lying in the central between two lakes, the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang is one of the most spectacular and majestic among the Nguyen dynasty Emperors’ tombs.
Residing on Cam Ke mount, adjacent to Bang Lang fork is where Huong River (Perfume River) begin. This mausoleum was built from September 1840, completed in 1843 by Emperor Thieu Tri.
Minh Mang tomb consists of 40 small and big constructions organised in a main straight pathway of 700 metres starting from Dai Hong Gate to the edge of the citadel’s wall behind the Emperor’s tomb.
Dai Hong Gate has three entrances, the central was opened solely once for carrying the Emperor coffin to the rest-in-peace location. The two side openings – Ta Hong Gate and Huu Hong Gate – are for visitors. Following Dai Hong Gate comes the Forecourt or Honor Courtyard (45m x 45m) , with statues depicting mandarins, elephants, and horses on the two rears. At the end of the courtyard is Bi Dinh (the Stele Pavilion) inscribed with the biography of Emperor Minh Mang. Hien Duc Gate opens to the late Emperor’s palace, enclosed in a squared walls representing the earth. We will find Sung An palace right behind, Ta Hu Tung chamber is where worships the Emperor and his Empress. There are three bridges crossing Trung Minh Lake, which is the main access to Minh Lau palace. This palace is considered to be the most outstanding among the constructions of the mausoleum. At the central of Khai Trach Son hill, Tan Nguyet Lake (the New Moon Lake) embraces Buu Thanh – where resides the Emperor’s coffin.
Photo
Triệu Chiến
Location
Huong Tho commune, Hue city,
Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam
Editor
Ha Thu Pham
