Hanoi is upgrading Doan Mon (Main Gate) at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as part of periodical maintenance.

According to Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Preservation Centre Tran Viet Anh, the gate has been repainted yellow, its original colour, since 1998.

The centre also preserves archaeological excavation pits, located near the gate.

The conservation work began in December last year, and is scheduled to be completed before the traditional Lunar New Year.

Doan Mon, the southern gate, was the main entrance to Cam Thanh (the Forbidden Citadel). The gate was built during the Le dynasty in the 15th century and was later upgraded in the 19th century.

The U-shaped gate was built with brick and stones and measured 46.5m by 26.5m by 6m. The Doan Mon Gate had five domed doors. The largest one in the middle was for the king, flanked by two smaller ones, one for mandarins and the other for members of the royal family.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was recognised as a world heritage site in 2010.

VNA