Royal Passage Only: The Citadel's Gates
QUANG DUC GATE
This historic gate holds a special place in the architectural story of the former imperial capital. Constructed in 1809, it was the very first among the thirteen city gates built to fortify the Nguyen Dynasty’s Citadel. As one of only two entrances that connected directly to the inner sanctuary of the imperial city, it served not just as a passageway but as a symbol of prestige and authority. The gate was constantly guarded, and entry was strictly controlled, permitting only members of the Royal Family, high-ranking mandarins, and essential political envoys to pass through.
Over the centuries, the gate witnessed countless processions, royal ceremonies, and movements of courtiers, embedding itself deeply into the cultural rhythm of Hue. However, fate struck in 1953 when a severe flood swept through the region. The structure suffered extensive damage, collapsing and becoming completely unusable. From then on, locals began referring to it as “The Collapsed Gate,” a name that carried both loss and remembrance.
Despite decades of deterioration, the gate’s historical significance never faded. In 1998, a comprehensive restoration project breathed new life into the structure, guided by archival records and traditional architectural principles. Today, the gate stands once again in service, welcoming visitors just as it once guarded royalty. It remains both a monument to resilience and a living marker of Hue’s layered imperial past, inviting travelers to step through and imagine the footsteps that came before.
THE NHAN GATE
Thể Nhân Môn, commonly known as the Ngăn Gate (meaning “Blocking Gate”), is located on the southern side of the Citadel, just to the left of the historic Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài). It functions as a one-way passage connecting 23/8 Street with Lê Duẩn Street. The arched gateway was originally constructed in 1809 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, while the watchtower (vọng lâu) above it was added in 1829 under Emperor Minh Mạng. Its first name, Thể Nguyên, was later changed to Thể Nhân following the construction of the watchtower.
Locals often refer to it as the Lower Ngăn Gate (cửa Ngăn Dưới) to distinguish it from Quảng Đức Gate, known as the Upper Ngăn Gate (cửa Ngăn Trên). The two gates sit nearly parallel to each other on the same defensive axis, forming a paired system of southern access points designed to regulate movement and reinforce the protective layout of the Citadel. This alignment also reflects the Nguyen Dynasty’s strategic city planning, where multiple gates worked in tandem to secure the imperial capital.
HISTORICAL EVENT OF HUU GATE
In addition, there is a notable gate tied to the historic event known as the “Fall of the Capital.” This moment left such a deep imprint on local memory that, even today, families across Hue perform outdoor rituals on the 22nd day of the fifth lunar month. In 1885, during the chaotic night of the French assault, King Ham Nghi was guided out of the Citadel through Hữu Gate, the passage now connecting Yết Kiêu Street to the inner walls. Though modest in appearance, the gate carries a quiet significance, symbolizing both resilience and a turning point in the city’s history. Today, it remains a meaningful stop for those tracing Hue’s cultural and architectural heritage.
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