Dien Hai Citadel

Dien Hai Citadel was built on the western side of the Han River in the twelfth year of King Gia Long’s reign (1813), near the mouth of the Hàn River, to control access to Đà Nẵng Port and serve as an important defensive position.  It was moved inland and rebuilt in brick on a high mount in the fourth year of King Minh Mang’s reign (1823). 

Dien Hai Citadel bore the stamp of the struggle by the Da Nang people and the nation to protect national independence and territory in the persistent war against French-Spanish colonial forces in 1858-60.

The happy news has been mainly attributed to the great efforts made by the city authorities in preserving and upholding the citadel’s special architectural and its historical values.  The Da Nang People’s Committee has given the go-head to the implementation of a research project featuring the restoration and embellishment of the citadel itself.  The project will be divided into 2 stages: 2017 - 2019 and 2019 – 2021 periods.  The 2 stages will feature seminars and talks to collect opinions from cultural experts about recreating garrisons, food and weapons storehouses, flag poles, and a watch tower as in the past, and about other related issues.

9 other relic sites nationwide have also received the same prestigious recognition as the Dien Hai Citadel comprise the Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh Province, the Mao Dien Temple of Literature in Hai Duong Province, a historical site dedicated to the Ba To uprising in Quang Ngai Province, a site commemorating the 1950 Border Campaign victory in Cao Bang Province, the Long Doi Son Temple featuring exquisite architectural styles and historical values in Ha Nam Province, the Den Xua - Chua Giam - Den Bia complex in Hai Duong Province, the Hoanh Son in Nghe An Province and the Huong Son Tourist Area and the Chem Temple, both in Ha Noi.

Quynh Dan