Dien Khanh Ancient Citadel, a famous historical and cultural relic in Dien Khanh district, Khanh Hoa province. It is a symbol of many important historical events. Built in 1793 by Lord Nguyen during the war with the Tay Son, Dien Khanh Citadel is located 10 km west of Nha Trang city.
After Nguyen Hue died, the Tay Son dynasty weakened, Nguyen Anh, Vo Tanh and Nguyen Van Truong led troops to attack Dien Khanh and decided to build this place into a solid base, a solid defense belt from afar. The area of the citadel is about 36,000 m², and is a military architectural complex in the Vauban style, a popular model in the 17th - 18th centuries in Western Europe. The wall is hexagonal in shape, has a circumference of 2,693 m, is made of earth, is about 3.5 m high, and is surrounded by a moat from 3 to 5 m deep and 20 to 30 m wide..
The typical architecture of Dien Khanh ancient citadel includes a deep moat system and two internal stairs used as a way up and down. The corners of the citadel are protruding for easy observation and each corner has a large area of land used as a garrison. The corner bastion, a prominent feature of Vauban architecture, was used to house cannons. The citadel is also planted with many bamboo and thorn trees to increase its stability and form a defensive fence.
Initially, the citadel had 6 gates, but now only 4 gates remain: East, West, Tien (South), and Hau (North), with the East and West gates connected by a single road. The citadel's gates were built of burnt bricks and plastered with lime mortar, with arches and walkways underneath, reflecting the advanced construction techniques and defensive designs of the time..
Dien Khanh Ancient Citadel is not only a military project but also a cultural heritage, containing many historical, military, architectural, and artistic values, reflecting a rich history and indomitable spirit. of the Vietnamese people
Dien Khanh Ancient Citadel plays an important role in the tourism picture of Khanh Hoa province, because it is not only a historical relic but also an attractive destination for tourists interested in cultural tourism. The solidity and uniqueness of Vauban architecture, along with the rich historical story it contains, have turned Dien Khanh Citadel into one of the must-see attractions when visitors come to Khanh Hoa.
The location of the ancient citadel, about 10km west of Nha Trang city center, makes it easy to move from the center, while also providing an in-depth perspective. more into the history and culture of the South Central region of Vietnam. Historical tourism, like at Dien Khanh Citadel, helps visitors understand more about the local past, thereby creating a richer and more diverse travel experience.
In addition to its historical value, Dien Khanh Citadel also contributes to Khanh Hoa tourism by combining cultural, educational and entertainment activities. Visitors can participate in tours, workshops on history and architecture, or attend cultural events held here. This not only enriches the experience for visitors but also contributes to preserving and promoting the value of the monument.
With the development of historical tourism, Dien Khanh Citadel is not only a symbol of the past but also an important bridge to spread Vietnam's cultural and historical values to international friends. , contributing to enriching the tourism image of Khanh Hoa in particular and Vietnam in general. This shows that Dien Khanh Citadel is not only important for those interested in history but also for those who are passionate about exploring culture and tourism.
