THE HANOI TIMES — King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were captivated by the cultural and historical significance of Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel during their tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of their official visit to Vietnam.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, accompanied by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and his spouse, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, in front of Doan Mon at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Viet Anh/ The Hanoi Times
The royal couple, joined by President Luong Cuong and his wife, explored the ancient citadel, which served as the political and cultural epicenter of Vietnam for over a millennium, uncovering its rich architectural heritage.
The group delves into the archaeological excavation site within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, unearthing Vietnam’s historical layers.
The 1,000-year-old citadel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, encapsulates the essence of Vietnam’s history. King Philip and Queen Mathilde were particularly mesmerized by the 11th-century Ly Dynasty masonry and the ancient stone dragon carvings adorning the staircase of the iconic Kinh Thien Palace, among other archaeological treasures hidden within its walls.
Their journey through time included a visit to Doan Mon, the grand entrance to the Imperial Citadel, reserved for significant national occasions, and a descent into excavation pits that unveiled the site’s architectural evolution over the centuries. At the Citadel’s Treasure Exhibition, the royal couple admired delicate ceramics and intricate metalwork, once prized possessions of Vietnam’s imperial courts.
The delegation, including King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, and President Luong Cuong, during their enlightening visit to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
President Luong Cuong highlighted how such cultural exchanges foster stronger ties between Vietnam and Belgium. Earlier in the day, the Belgian royals paid their respects at Hanoi’s War Heroes Memorial and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, completing a comprehensive immersion into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.
Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, presents commemorative souvenirs to King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, symbolizing the shared appreciation for cultural heritage.
The royal visit underscored Belgium’s interest in Vietnam’s cultural legacy and marked a significant step forward in strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations, with a particular focus on education, cultural exchange, and heritage conservation initiatives.
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