Tomb of Khai Dinh
Location:
Tomb of Khai Dinh is located on the slope of Chau Chu
Mountain (also called Chau E), 10km from Hue City, Vietnam.
Characteristic:
In comparison with those of the
preceding emperors, Khai Dinh’s tomb is much smaller in surface (117m x 48.5m)
but it is very elaborate. It is the result of the interminglement of many
architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.
The construction
of the tomb was started on September 4th, 1920 and lasted for 11 years. The
overall construction of the tomb is an emerging rectangular structure with 127
steps, leaning against the mountain.- Entering the tomb area, one should climb a
37 steps gate with the biggest dragons in the country forming the side walls. In
the courtyard, line two rows of left and right altar built according to
traditional configuration of "double storeys with eight roofs", but all the
rafters are made of reinforced concrete.
Climbing 29 further steps, one is reaching the imperial audience court, in the
centre of which stands the octagonal stele monument also made of reinforced
concrete. On both sides of the courtyard, two rows of statues are facing towards
the court center. In addition to these statues, similar to those of the other
tombs, there are six more couples representing bodyguard soldiers. These statues
are made of stone, a material very rare in Khai Dinh's tomb. The courtyard is
flanked on both sides by two high and imposing pillars.
Visitors have to go up three more levels in order to reach the altar monument. The Khai Thanh Palace is the main room of the Thien Dinh Palace, which contains many connecting rooms. The walls are densely decorated and inlaid with elaborate glass and porcelain designs. The floor is covered with enameled flowers bricks and the ceiling is painted with nine dragons, appearing in fine fleeting clouds. The rear room of the Khai Thanh Palace constitutes the main temple, which contains the statue of Khai Dinh, his grave and his altar. The tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the most surprising among the royal tombs of Hue.
Source: Vietnam Administration of Tourism |