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The brick built citadel looks like a large square, with each side about 600m long, 4m high, and 1m thick, that is surrounded by a protective moat. There are four main gates leading to the enclosure.

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Ngọ Môn (Meridian gate) is the largest gate of the Hue Imperial Citadel as it faces south. The gate was only used for the king to travel or to receive envoys. It is currently one of the typical architectural vestiges of the Nguyen Dynasty in the Complex of Hue monuments.

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August 30, 1945 saw King Bao Dai, the last king of the Vietnamese feudal dynasty, abdicate the throne at the Ngọ Môn Palace, handing over two objects symbolizing kingship: the seal, the Emperor’s treasure, and the sword that represents military authority, to the representatives of the Provisional Government.

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Though it was the main gate, Ngọ Môn was not used much as it was highly ceremonial. The gate was usually closed, and only opened on special occasions when the King entered or left the Imperial Citadel with a royal entourage, or when he welcomed important foreign envoys.

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Above the main gate is Lầu Ngũ Phụng (Five-Phoenix Pavilion) which has two floors erected on an ironwood frame structure with 100 pillars. It is said the number 100 represents the harmony of Yin and Yang, while some others say it is a symbol of the power of a hundred families.

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On the roof tiles are various animals and creatures to ward off evil. The main hall is flanked by two side pavilions, which were reserved for members of the court. From the main hall, the emperor would watch troop movements and his subjects bringing homage.

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Hiển Nhân Môn (East gate) is located on the east side of Hue Imperial Citadel, for mandarins and men entering and leaving the citadel. The gate was built in 1805, under the reign of King Gia Long. During the reign of King Minh Mang in 1833, the door was decorated with porcelain pieces. During the reign of King Khai Dinh, it was restored again. The door was completely destroyed by bombardment during the war in 1968.

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After 1975, the gate was restored to its original state. Today, the gate is used as an exit for tourists visiting the Imperial Citadel.

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Chương Đức Môn (West Gate) is located on the west side of the Imperial Citadel. In addition to its function as a gate for female mandarins to enter and exit the citadel, it was used to protect the royal court and royal family.

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Chương Đức Môn has three floors with many compartments. Each compartment is decorated with paintings and other unique works of art. This decorative motif is very popular in vestiges of the Nguyen Dynasty.

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Hòa Bình Môn (North Gate) is the northern gate of the Imperial Citadel, reserved for the king to go on a picnic. The gate has a quite special structure, in the form of a three-door brick building but with only one floor.

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A close look at the four gates into the Hue Imperial Citadel

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