Belgian King and Queen marvel at Thang Long Imperial Citadel's historic splendor
Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde expressed admiration to the site's preservation, which aligns with Belgium's own commitment to heritage protection.
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.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, along with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and his spouse Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, in front of Doan Mon, Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photos: Viet Anh/ The Hanoi Times
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.
The hosts and guests at the archaeological excavation of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
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.
The delegation during the visit to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
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.
Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, presents souvenirs to King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
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.
