Where is Dien Hai Citadel located?

Dien Hai Citadel in Da Nang is under the management of Danang Museum. This is a famous destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year when traveling in the coastal city.

Address: 24 Tran Phu Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City

Opening hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm daily

Ticket price: 20,000 VND/person (Free for the elderly, children, students, disabled people and permanent citizens in Da Nang city and Quang Nam province).

History of Dien Hai citadel in Da Nang

2.1. The name changes of Dien Hai

According to Da Nang tourist map, Dien Hai citadel is located on the west bank of the Han River, so the French call it Fort de l', Ouest, which means Western Fort. The citadel was built by King Gia Long in 1813 with the main material being soil with the name Bao Dien Hai. However, because the citadel is located near the sea, it is easily damaged.

In 1823, King Minh Mang ordered to leave the citadel and go to the inner palace and rebuild it with bricks. In 1835, King Minh Mang changed the name to Dien Hai and is used to this day.

The role of Dien Hai citadel

In 1858, France and Spain officially opened fire to invade Vietnam. At this time, Dien Hai citadel became a defensive outpost, preventing the enemy's footsteps, making an important contribution to the battle to defeat the French colonialists in Da Nang from 1858 to 1860.

Architecture of Hai Chau Dien Citadel in Da Nang

3.1. Dien Hai Citadel - A majestic ancient fortress

Dien Hai Citadel was built according to the European Vauban design with a height of more than 5m, a circumference of more than 556m and surrounded by 3m deep moats. The main gate of the citadel is on the south side and the side gate is on the east side.

Inside the citadel, there are works such as: palace, flag tower, storehouse for gunpowder, ammunition, and food. It can be said that the ancient citadel of Dien Hai was built based on the careful and scientific calculations of the Nguyen kings.

3.2. Dien Hai Citadel of Da Nang and hundred-year-old cannons

Coming to Dien Hai citadel, in addition to admiring the beauty of the architecture, visitors can also admire hundreds of years old cannons. Including a cannon discovered in 2008 with a length of 2.8m, the diameter of the head is 23cm and the tail is 42cm.

Cannons made of bronze, cast iron or iron can weigh up to 3 tons. Up to now, although most of the guns have been rusted, the gun body is still intact. In 1988, the state recognized this place as a special national relic of Dien Hai Citadel.