UNESCO representative values Thanh Hoa’s efforts to study Citadel of Ho Dynasty
UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart recognised efforts by authorities of central Thanh Hoa province and experts to study and excavate the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, while meeting with the preservation centre for this world cultural heritage site on January 9.
Part of the Citadel of Ho Dynasty in Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)
ThanhHoa (VNA) – UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart recognised efforts by authorities of central Thanh Hoa province and experts tostudy and excavate the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, while meeting with the preservationcentre for this world cultural heritage site on January 9.
Herecommended the centre continue documenting the study and excavation of thesite, located in Vinh Loc district, and apply non-invasive scanning techniqueto improve excavation effectiveness.
Manhartsaid the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (1400 - 1407) holds architectural andlandscape values that were the greatest and most unique of its kind in EastAsia and Southeast Asia in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart (third from right) visits the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty on January 9. (Photo: VNA)
Assoc. Prof. and Dr Tong Trung Tin, Chairman of the Vietnam Archaeology Association,said since 2020, archaeologists and scientists have conducted relatively largeexcavations of the citadel. Notably, a dig on 25,000 sq.m. in the inner part ofthe citadel discovered four clusters of vestiges dating back to the Tran (1225- 1400) - Ho dynasties, two to the Le So Dynasty (1428 - 1527), and one to theLe Trung Hung Dynasty (1533 - 1789).
Theseare important evidences of the integrity, authenticity, and globally outstandingvalues of the citadel, he noted, adding that the archaeological findings willbe a trustworthy source for restoring part of the heritage.
Theyalso demonstrate local authorities and people’s efforts to implement theInternational Council on Monuments and Sites’ recommendations about heritage valuepreservation and promotion as in line with the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention,Tin added.
Thesame day, Director of the Thanh Hoa provincial Department of Culture, Sportsand Tourism Pham Nguyen Hong had a working session with UNESCO Representative ChristianManhart, calling for the UNESCO Office’s assistance for the preservation andpromotion of the citadel’s values./.
Ho Dynasty Citadel, also known as Tay Do citadel, in Vinh Long and Vinh Tien communes, Vinh Loc district, the central province of Thanh Hoa province is one of the most unique stone architectures of Vietnam and the world.
A citadel from the Ho Dynasty, located in Vinh Loc district of Thanh Hoa province, was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 2011 due to its huge stone walls, which are a unique architectural construction in Vietnam and neighbouring countries.
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Part of the Citadel of Ho Dynasty in Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA) 
UNESCO Representative in Vietnam Christian Manhart (third from right) visits the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty on January 9. (Photo: VNA) 
