Beneath the layered roofs of Hậu Lâu lies a unique story. This structure whispers tales of princesses and French soldiers. Hậu Lâu stands as one of the five remaining relics of the Hanoi Citadel. It is also known as Tĩnh Bắc Lâu, Lầu Công Chúa or Hậu Điện. Each name carries a piece of its history.
Hậu Lâu was once the resting place for concubines and princesses. They accompanied Nguyễn emperors on their visits to Bắc Thành. Imagine the royal entourage arriving in Hanoi. The princesses would seek respite in this very building. Its walls provided a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.
But Hậu Lâu’s story doesn’t end with royalty. During the French bombardment of Hanoi, the original structure was destroyed. The French rebuilt it. They used it as a residence and workplace for their army. This marked a significant shift in the building’s purpose.
Today’s Hậu Lâu showcases a blend of Vietnamese and French architectural styles. This fusion reflects its complex past. Notice the thick walls. This is a French influence, designed to keep the rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. Look for the Vietnamese touches. These include intricate reliefs depicting musical instruments and dragons. The roofs mimic those of royal palaces.
The ground floor has three separate rooms. The two gable rooms have entrances at the front. Behind these rooms is a closed corridor. It leads to the middle room. The middle room receives natural light from arched windows at the back. Two staircases lead to the second floor.
The second floor also has three rooms. But the middle room here is the most airy. It has main doors that open wide to the front. The side rooms have large doors facing East and West. The rooms on the second floor have cement roofs. They imitate the ancient royal roof architecture.
The third floor has one spacious room. Three doors face each direction. East, West and South. This was an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery. It was a place to catch a breeze and watch the moon. The top floor has two layers of eight roofs. Dragon heads decorate the curved corners.
Hậu Lâu stands as a testament to cultural exchange. It is a unique building. Its architecture helped secure UNESCO recognition for the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel.
Archaeologists have conducted excavations at Hậu Lâu. They have found valuable artifacts. These discoveries have provided insights into the Imperial City’s history.
Hậu Lâu was built to secure the peace of the north. It was renovated to celebrate 990 years of Thăng Long – Hanoi. It is an ancient architectural work.
Hậu Lâu is more than just a building. It is a living museum. It displays Hanoi through different historical periods. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history within these walls. It once housed princesses. It then became a French military residence. Now Hậu Lâu stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s enduring spirit.