Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - The Golden Mark of a Glorious Era in Vietnamese History

As one of the four core areas within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital stands out as a destination rich in cultural and historical significance. Despite the passage of time, this ancient capital remains tranquil yet imposing, leaving a golden mark that symbolizes a glorious era in Vietnamese history.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - UNESCO-recognized Cultural Heritage in the Heart of Ninh Binh
Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
With an expansive area spanning an impressive 300 hectares, featuring architecturally valuable structures with cultural and historical significance, as well as picturesque landscapes surrounded by rivers and mountains, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is one of the four core areas of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. UNESCO officially recognized it as the first and only dual cultural heritage site in Southeast Asia in 2014. Hoa Lu is also one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Ninh Binh today.

How can you visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital using the most suitable means of transportation?
Situated on the border between Hoa Lu and Gia Vien districts and Ninh Binh City, if you intend to visit Hoa Lu, you can travel by various means such as buses, airplanes, and trains.

Journey through time to explore the rich history of 42 years in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was the first imperial capital of Vietnam, existing for 42 years. This land witnessed the heroic efforts of establishing and defending the nation during the 12 years of the Dinh dynasty (968 – 980), 29 years of the Early Le dynasty (980 – 1009), and the beginning of the Ly dynasty (1009 – 1010).

Nestled within a valley surrounded by overlapping hills and the winding Hoang Long River, along with the Nho Quan and Gia Vien fields, Hoa Lu held strategic military importance. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh suppressed 12 rebel factions, ascended to the throne, founded the glorious Dai Co Viet nation, and established Hoa Lu as the political center, marking the first imperial capital of Vietnam.

During the reign of King Ly Thai To, a decision was made to relocate the historical capital to Thang Long Citadel, now known as Hanoi. This decision marked the end of Hoa Lu as the ancient capital. However, the dynastic system and material foundation of Thang Long Citadel inherited elements from the former Hoa Lu capital. Although subsequent kings did not reside there, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital continued to witness the construction of sturdy architectural structures, including temples, pagodas, and shrines, which are preserved to this day.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - A testament to a golden era in the nation's history
If you have the opportunity to visit the ancient capital during your exploration of Ninh Binh, you will be astonished by the serene and nostalgic scenery that permeates the area. Amidst the quiet remnants of walls, you can still perceive the majestic and imposing aura of a once glorious imperial city.
Encompassing an impressive area of over 300 hectares, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a complex of historical and cultural sites, including fortified walls, caves, temples, tombs, and other structures with high historical and cultural value. The ancient capital is divided into three zones: a special protection zone, a buffer zone, and related archaeological sites.

The special protection zone includes the entire area inside the Hoa Lu Citadel, with surviving relics such as the temples of King Le Dai Hanh, King Dinh Tien Hoang, Princess Phat Kim, Nhat Tru Pagoda, Vườn Thiên Palace, Kim Ngan Pagoda, Cau Den Stele, Co Am Pagoda, Cho Palace, Bim Cave, Duyen Ninh Pagoda, Sao Khe River, and the citadel walls and underground palace.

Meanwhile, the buffer zone of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital includes the landscape along both sides of the Sao Khe River, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with its system of temples and Am Tien Cave, Yen Trach Communal House, Muoi Cave, Quan Cave, Sinh Duoc Cave, Luon Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Ba Ngo, Tran Temple, Khong Palace, Dong Palace, Lien Hoa Cave, Boi Cave, and more.

Related archaeological sites within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex play a crucial role in the Dinh dynasty, including the Bai Dinh ancient pagoda system, the Southern Gate, the Dong Gate, Hoa Lu Cave, Thien Ton Cave, the temple dedicated to Dinh Bo Linh, and other relics in Ninh Binh Province.

Notable architectural structures in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
5.1 Explore the historical site of the temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Spanning over 1,000 years of history, the significant historical structures in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital are well-preserved to this day. Particularly prominent are the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
Situated in Truong Yen Commune, the former eastern center of the ancient capital, the temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang occupies an ideal location. With Mã Yên Mountain in the foreground, where the majestic tomb of King Dinh rests, the temple was initially constructed during the Ly dynasty in the style of 'internal construction, external nation,' mimicking the architecture of ancient capitals. It was later redesigned during the Later Le dynasty.

As one of the unique architectural structures built in the 17th century, the temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang includes impressive elements such as the main gate, artificial mountain, lotus pond, flower garden, outer and inner courtyards, and three ceremonial halls, namely Thien Huong and the harem. Inside, there is a statue of King Dinh and his sons. Today, the temple still houses precious artifacts, including a pair of elephant statues and a pair of stone dragons, both meticulously carved from solid green stone.

Moreover, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings on wooden and stone columns depicting dragons, clouds, fairies, flowers, and more. These details vividly showcase the talent and skill of artisans from the 17th century.

5.2 Temple of King Le
Located approximately 500m from the temple of King Dinh, the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is smaller in scale. The temple, consisting of three halls, including Bai Duong and Thien Huong for worshiping Pham Cự Lượng, who played a significant role in assisting Le Hoan in ascending to the throne. The main hall is dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, with Le Ngọa Trieu, the son of King Le, on the left, and Queen Duong Van Nga on the right. In front of the temple is the central square of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and behind it is the protective moat that once surrounded the ancient capital at the foot of Mount Dia.

Today, the Temple of King Le still retains architectural traces with intricate carvings, exquisite sculptures, and remnants of the ancient palace with antique pottery stored in the museum to the left of the temple.

5.3 Temple of Princess Phat Kim
Adjacent to the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh and the Nhat Tru Pagoda is the Temple of Princess Phat Kim, the daughter of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The temple was built by local people to honor the gentle woman who endured many trials in the 10th century.

Not only was Hoa Lu the first imperial capital of our country in the past, but today, it still holds significant architectural structures with profound cultural and historical importance, reflecting a glorious era in the nation's history. If you have the opportunity to visit the land of Ninh Binh, do not miss the chance to explore this ancient capital.

Source: https://mia.vn/cam-nang-du-lich/co-do-hoa-lu-dau-an-vang-son-cua-mot-thoi-dan-toc-oai-hung-3001
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