Belgian King and Queen marvel at Thang Long Imperial Citadel's historic splendor

THE HANOI TIMES — King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were enthusiastic about the cultural and historical value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi when they toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of their state visit to Vietnam.

Accompanied by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and his wife, the royal couple explored this architectural remnant that served as the political and cultural heart of Vietnam for over a millennium.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the 1,000-year-old citadel encapsulates layers of Vietnam's history. King Philip and Queen Mathilde were particularly enchanted by the 11th-century Ly Dynasty masonry and the 15th-century stone dragon carvings on the iconic staircase of the Kinh Thien Palace, among other archaeological finds.

The tour took them to Doan Mon, the main gate of the Imperial Citadel, which was only opened for important national events, and to excavation pits that reveal centuries of architectural development. At the Citadel's Treasure Exhibition, the royal couple viewed precious artifacts, including delicate ceramics and intricate metalwork, once used in Vietnam's imperial courts.

President Luong Cuong emphasized how such cultural exchanges strengthen Vietnam-Belgium relations. Earlier in the day, the Belgian royals paid respects at Hanoi's War Heroes Memorial and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, completing their immersion in Vietnam's rich heritage.

The visit underscored Belgium's interest in Vietnam's cultural heritage and marked the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, which have been revealed in education, culture, and heritage conservation in recent years.