Restoration of royal palace to be completed this year

The restoration and upgrade of Kien Trung Palace in the Hue Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi) began in 2019 in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. Investments in the reconstruction were significant to rebuild the foundation walls, railing system, front and back yards, and two floors with a height of about 14m, on a construction site of about 975sq.m.

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The Kien Trung Palace served as the working and living place of Khai Dinh and Bao Dai, the last kings of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The palace’s construction started in 1921 and finished two years later under the reign of King Khai Dinh.

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It was built in a mixture of French, Italian Renaissance and old Vietnamese architectural styles by King Khai Dinh. Earlier at the site, there was a pavilion built by King Minh Mang and later repaired by King Tu Duc and King Duy Tan.

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It is among five main palaces of the former royal citadel, along with Thai Hoa, Can Chanh, Can Thanh and Khon Thai Palaces. In 1947, the palace was destroyed during the war.

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The restoration of Kien Trung Palace which housed the last Vietnamese emperor in the Hue Imperial Citadel will be finished by the end of this year. Restoring Kien Trung Palace from ruins is truly a major challenge for today’s mosaic workers, who must ensure stylistic uniformity with other works from the same era. However, it will help preserve and uphold the UNESCO-recognised Complex of Hue Monuments in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

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The palace is an important historical work, marking a unique and special period that complements the traditional Hue royal design. Since its UNESCO recognition in 1993, the Complex of Hue Monuments has gone through preservation to develop it sustainably. It is an important milestone in the 30-year journey of the Hue Monuments Complex being honoured by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.