Minh Mang tomb - Hue

Minh Mang Tomb is an imposing mausoleum area, with picky architecture, harmony with nature, and owns the depth ideological values. The tomb is located near Cam Ke mountain, the confluence source of Huong river.


Minh Mang Tomb history

- April 1840, King Minh Mang renamed Cam Ke mountain into Hieu Son mountain, and named the tomb as Hieu Tomb. The tomb was started construction in September 1840.

- January 1841, King Minh Mang died, Thieu Tri becomes the next king and continue to build the tomb with the old design, and named Minh Mang Tomb.

- Until 1843, the tomb construction was completed.


Minh Mang Tomb architecture

Situated within the area bounded by the wall of 1.750 m length, Minh Mang Tomb is a complex of 40 architectural works, including palaces, castles, temples... are arranged symmetrically on a long axis of 700 m. Alternating between these structures is the fragrant lotus ponds and green pine hills, creating a peaceful scenery. Overall of the tomb is divided into main sections:

- Dai Hong Mon: the main entrance to Minh Mang Tomb, including 3 paths with 24 beautifully decorated roofs. The main gate is only opened once to take the king's coffin into the tomb and closed, then only use 2 extra ports on either side.

- Bi Dinh: located on Phung Than Son mountain, inside there is a stone stele, recorded an essay by King Thieu Tri about biography and the merit of his father King Minh Mang.

- The laced area: start with Hieu Duc Mon been limited to a square wall round, symbolizing the ground. In the middle is Sung An house, where worship King Minh Mang and Ta Thien Nhan queen. Behind is Hoang Trach Mon, end of the laced area, and opening up a space of greenery, water and clouds.

- Minh Lau house: built on Tam Dai Son hill. Minh Lau means bright upstairs, where the king thinking in the moon nights, and is the return place of the soul. This house with a square shaped, 2 floors and 8 roofs, is a symbol of Eastern philosophy. Both sides of Minh Lau, toward the back are 2 pillars build on 2 mountains, which mean the king was complete the merit before died.

- King's resting place: Tan Nguyet lake embracing Buu Thanh. The lake in moon shaped, symbol of yin; wrapped Buu Thanh in circle shaped, symbol of yang and the sun. A bridge crossing Tan Nguyet lake, including 33 steps leading to the king's resting place, is located between Khai Son Trach hill. Surrounding this place are concentric circles, like the forms in the universe, showing the center position of the King.

In addition, the decoration on the buildings is nearly 600 crossword, carved the poems of Vietnam in early 19th century, as a literature treasure. This confirms the value of art and the depth thought of Minh Mang Tomb.