The tomb of Gia Long is in fact a group of tombs including those of the Emperor's
relatives. The whole compound is spread on a joint mountain with 42 small and big mounts,
amongst which Dai Thien Tho is the biggest.
The Emperor's Tomb is located on a flat,
big hill. In the front, Thien Tho Mount form a natural screen, and in the back seven hills
raise like natural defenses. On the left, 14 peaks form the "left blue dragons"
(Ta Thanh Long), and on the right, another 14 form the "right white tigers" (Huu
Bach Ho).
The tomb complex is composed of three
areas:
- In the middle: There are the
double-grave tomb of the Emperor and Queen Thua Thien Cao. Passing the Honor Court,
visitors can see imposing stone statues. Seven steps of the worship-yard lead to Buu Thanh
on the hill top. Inside Buu Thanh, the stone double-grave is built according to the
concept of "Can Khon Hiep Duc" a symbol of happiness and loyalty.
- On the right: The main monument
is Minh Thanh Temple, dedicated to the Emperor and his first Queen. Formerly, it used to
contain many artefacts related to Gia Long's military life.
- On the left: The main monument is
the stele pavilion. Nowadays, only the stele is left, minutely inscribed with Emperor Minh
Mang’s singing of the late Emperor's praises. |
