Decoding the Mystery of Kinh Thien Palace: A Glimpse into Ancient Architecture

The mysteries of Kinh Thien Palace, the heart of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, are finally being brought to light through groundbreaking archaeological research. The Institute of Imperial Citadel Studies recently introduced a project titled 'Decoding the Mysteries of Kinh Thien Palace Architecture,' which uses 3D modeling and physical reconstructions to show what this grand structure looked like during the Early Le Dynasty. For decades, the palace's original form remained a mystery, as only the stone dragon steps survived the ravages of time and colonial demolition. Now, thanks to over 20 years of excavation and comparative studies with East Asian palace architecture, experts have a clear picture of its magnificence.

PGS.TS Bui Minh Trí, Director of the Institute, revealed that the key to unlocking the mystery was the discovery of 'dougong' (interlocking wooden brackets) components. These structural elements prove that Kinh Thien Palace was a massive, sophisticated building featuring 60 wooden columns and a total area of approximately 1,188 square meters. One of the most unique findings was the 'dragon-shaped' roof tiles, which are unlike any other palace tiles found in Asia. These tiles represent the distinct creativity and sovereign identity of the Vietnamese Le So dynasty. The research indicates the palace had a 9-bay horizontal layout, emphasizing its role as the most important ceremonial site for the nation.

Kinh Thien Palace served as the primary hall for the most vital national rituals, including imperial coronations and receiving foreign ambassadors. While the palace was largely destroyed in 1886 to make way for French military buildings, these new reconstructions allow modern generations to visualize the 'golden age' of Vietnamese history. The exhibition at the Hanoi Museum aims not to physically rebuild the palace just yet, but to honor the architectural legacy left by ancestors. By decoding these ancient blueprints, historians are ensuring that the global value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel—a UNESCO World Heritage site—is fully recognized and preserved for the future.

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