National Relic of Ly Cung Bao Thanh Palace during the Tran - Ho Dynasties

22/12/2024 588 0
Ly Cung, also known as Bao Thanh Palace, is an important historical relic of the Ho Dynasty, located in Kim Phat village, Ha Dong commune, Ha Trung district, Thanh Hoa province. This is one of the remarkable constructions of the Ho Dynasty, closely associated with the name of Ho Quy Ly, the famous king of Vietnam during the Ho Dynasty in the 14th century.
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National Relic of Ly Cung

Bao Thanh Palace during the Tran - Ho Dynasties

Ly Cung, also known as Bao Thanh Palace, is an important historical relic of the Ho Dynasty, located in Kim Phat village, Ha Dong commune, Ha Trung district, Thanh Hoa province. This is one of the remarkable constructions of the Ho Dynasty, closely associated with the name of Ho Quy Ly, the famous king of Vietnam during the Ho Dynasty in the 14th century.

Bao Thanh Palace was built when Ho Quy Ly came to Thanh Hoa to establish the Ho Dynasty and the Đại Ngu kingdom from 1400 to 1407. It was the place where King Tran Thuan Tong stayed on his visit to Thanh Hoa. The structure was built meticulously, resembling a miniature version of Thang Long Citadel, to welcome King Tran during the period when preparations were underway to build a new capital city, which was to become Tây Đô (later known as the Ho Dynasty's citadel).

The stele is the only remaining artifact at the Ly Cung relic of the Ho Dynasty.

During these years, Bao Thanh Palace became the headquarters for resisting invaders and the place where the Tran Dynasty’s kings and officials discussed military affairs. Today, due to the passage of time and constant wars, Ly Cung has become a ruin. All that remains of the former Ly Cung are the traces of the palace’s foundations.

Archaeological research at the Ly Cung relic site has been conducted through several excavation campaigns. The first excavation took place in 1979, followed by further excavations in 1980 and 1985. These excavations have uncovered many valuable artifacts and traces, contributing to the understanding of the history and architecture of the Tran Dynasty palace, particularly the palace structure of the Ho Dynasty.

Many ancient stones on the remaining foundation of the Ly Cung relic of the Ho Dynasty (Collected)

The fourth excavation campaign focused on exploring major architectural structures such as the courtyard, the main palace foundation, and other constructions within the palace grounds, including the triple gate, the jade well, the outer citadel, as well as facilities like the royal stream, bathing dock, battle drum tower, and moon-viewing pavilion.

The Remaining Traces in the Ly Cung Complex

Ly Cung is not only a relic closely linked to the history of the Ho Dynasty but also a symbol of prosperity during that era. This structure can be considered a "miniature version of Thang Long Citadel," built meticulously and grandly, with distinctive architecture designed to create a stronghold for military and political activities. Moreover, Bao Thanh Palace was an important site in the construction and development of the Tây Đô citadel, playing a crucial role in laying the foundation for the later Ho Dynasty citadel.

Once likened to a miniature Thang Long, now only traces remain.

One of the important relics at the Ly Cung site is the large stone stele. This stele was engraved by a later scholar, recording the historical and cultural values of the site. According to local people, the stele was fortunately preserved and avoided being destroyed for its stone to be used for lime. The local authorities have built a pavilion to protect the stele from the ravages of time and nature.

The ancient stone stele remains intact.

Ly Cung is currently a national historical relic and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ho Dynasty Citadel, recognized in 2011. This site is not only valuable to the people of Thanh Hoa but also to all of humanity, serving as evidence of a glorious period in Vietnamese history. It is also a source of inspiration for historians and archaeologists.

The main hall was temporarily built by the locals as a place for worship.

Ly Cung is not only a historical relic but also a cultural heritage, containing invaluable spiritual and artistic values. The preservation and promotion of the value of this site not only helps maintain the memories of an important historical period but is also a responsibility of the present generation to future generations.

When visiting Ly Cung of the Ho Dynasty, tourists can also combine their visit with some other famous landmarks, such as the Ho Dynasty Citadel (Vinh Loc), Thượng Phú Communal House (Ha Dong), Tran Khat Chan Temple, Trinh Palace, and Vẹt Temple (Vinh Loc). Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious specialties of Ha Trung, such as leaf cakes, sticky rice, and famous dishes made from snails and fish. Ly Cung of the Ho Dynasty was recognized as a National Archaeological Relic according to Decision No. 985/QD-BTBVH on May 7, 1997.

 

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