Because it had strategic location on the Red River, it was in his history in important military outpost, especially against the invasions from the north.

The citadel was a place where the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty lived and worked. The square fort with a length of 450 meters is now in the heart of the city, about two miles from the Red River.

Remaining gunners

It was completely surrounded by a five meter walls with loopholes and a three-meter deep and 20 meter wide moat. On each side, there was a gate, guarded by cannons, which was reached via a stone bridge. The four main ports: The south gate called Tien gate; the north is the Hau port, the East main and West main. The North gate and the adjacent wall sections have been restored some time ago. The West and the South Gate have also been preserved, while the gate in the Sast is destroyed. The entrance to the fortress is possible only through the North or the South Gate.

Each port on the top, there is guard floor with only one entrance.

Hundred-year-old trees cover the mossy citadel walls and gates.

Son Tay Ancient Citadel has become a unique military architectural work and cultural historical relic, attracting many tourists. Tourists will surely never forget the image of hundred-year-old trees giving shade all year round and stretching their roots to cover the mossy citadel walls and gates.

Paying a visit to Son Tay, you can connect very well with a journey into the past to the community of Duong Lam which is quite close to the town.

 Nguyen Hao