The historical and cultural relic site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a special national heritage complex. For the first time in history, this place became an economic, political, military, and cultural center of a centralized feudal state in Vietnam. It was also the birthplace of the reigns of three dynasties: Dinh, Early Le, and the beginning of the Ly dynasty.
In 968, after unifying the country, Dinh Bo Linh ascended the throne, proclaiming himself emperor and naming the country Dai Co Viet, with Hoa Lu as the capital. In 980, Le Dai Hanh succeeded the Dinh dynasty, becoming emperor. He commissioned the construction of many magnificent and splendid palaces, with pillars inlaid with gold and silver, to serve as royal courts.
Hoa Lu Citadel consisted of two main areas: the Inner Citadel and the Outer Citadel. Recently, archaeological findings have led to the suggestion that there was a third citadel, known as Southern Citadel - now the site of the Trang An Ecotourism Complex.
The Outer Citadel was the capital's central area. Today, it is where the temples of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh are located. The Outer Citadel spans about 140 hectares, covering the villages of Yen Thuong and Yen Thanh in modern-day Truong Yen commune.
The Inner Citadel was home to the royal family's residences and the national treasury. It is now located in Chi Phong village, also in Truong Yen commune. The Inner and Outer Citadels are separated by the Phi Van mountain range, but are connected via a mountain pass called Quen Vong.
In the historical context of the 10th century, Vietnam had just gained independence after a thousand years under Chinese domination and had endured decades of civil war and territorial fragmentation. The country had only recently been unified, and its centralized feudal government was still in its infancy. Foreign invasions remained a constant threat, and the seeds of local separatism had not been entirely eradicated. Because of this, Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh chose the rugged terrain of Hoa Lu as the capital. The towering limestone mountains served as natural, impenetrable fortifications. Hoa Lu Citadel was a military fortress deemed “impregnable”, capable of defending against both internal rebellion and external invasion.
In 1010, Ly Cong Uan moved the capital to Dai La (present-day Hanoi). Hoa Lu became the Ancient Capital, but subsequent dynasties still paid homage to it, frequently restoring and constructing many historical and cultural structures at the site.
Today, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital houses over 30 relics associated with the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Among these, the most notable and significant are the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh.