The citadel was originally constructed with earth in 1804 before being rebuilt with stone and brick during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang in 1831.
The original hexagonal footprint covers a total area of approximately 420,000 square meters.
The citadel originally featured six bastions and a surrounding moat that was 3 meters deep.
During the colonial period, the site served as the administrative headquarters for the French residency in the region.
The site was a focal point for the 1930-1931 Nghe-Tinh Soviet uprising, where local laborers protested against the governing authorities.
The Old Citadel of Vinh, known locally as Thanh Vinh, is a historical fortification originally constructed in 1804 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. The citadel was built using the Vauban military architectural style, featuring a hexagonal layout surrounded by a deep moat. It served as a vital administrative and military center for the Nguyen Dynasty in the Nghe An region. Most of the structure was heavily damaged during the conflicts of the 20th century, leaving only remnants of the original stone walls and gates. The site was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1998. The remaining stone gate, known as the 'Cua Tien' (Front Gate), features traditional brickwork and arched passageways. The fortification was historically significant for its role in the Can Vuong movement and later revolutionary activities. Today, the area functions as a commemorative park maintained for local heritage preservation.
The restored arched entrance gate (Cua Tien) provides the best framing for architectural photography.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat of central Vietnam, as there is limited shade.
The site is largely an outdoor walking area; wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel and uneven historic stone paths.
Bring insect repellent, as the surrounding moat area can have mosquitoes during humid months.
Do not expect a fully intact castle or fortress building; the site consists primarily of ruins and structural foundations.
