Tomb of Minh Mang Hue
Minh Mang was one of the emperors who ruled Hue from 1820 to 1840. In his life time, he himself designed his tomb which is called Tomb of Minh Mang, Hue one of the chief attractions of this Vietnamese city. However, he was not laid to rest until 1843 when this tomb was completed by his successor.
The Tomb is located 12km away from Hue. This is positioned on the west bank of the Perfume River, on Cam Ke mount, near Bang Lang fork. The picture of a poetic past is reflected from this magnificent architecture.
The construction of the tomb began in September 1840. Unfortunately in January 1841, while the work was implemented Minh Mang fell sick and passed away.
It was Minh Mang's successor to the throne, Emperor Thieu Tri, who continued this task of building his predecessor's grave yard just according to Minh Mang's plans. Emperor Minh Mang's corpse was buried in Buu Thanh on August 20th of 1841. The construction was fully completed in 1843.
Minh Mang's tomb is a typical architectural compound comprising of 40 buildings and structures which include palaces, temples, pavilions and many other buildings of the past. This particular tomb of the emperor Minh Mang was designed on a symmetric axis running from Dai Hong gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor's tomb.
The constructions are dispersed into three main parallel axis of which Than Dao path is the centre.
Dai Hong Mon: It is the name of the main gate to get in the tomb. It offers three paths with 24 heaving roofs covered with gorgeous decorations. The gate was opened wide only at the time of bringing the Emperor's coffin to the tomb, and had been firmly shut up since then.
Bi Dinh: Behind Dai Hong Mon meaning big gate is the Honor Courtyard with its two rows of statues of mandarins, elephants and horses.