CITY OF HUE Situated in the central of Viet Nam, the historic city of Hue was for a long time the country's capital. Lapped by the waters of the River of Perfumes, surrounded by wooded hills, embellishedby luxuriant gardens and sharply delineated by its encircle canals, the city s the masterpiece of urban poetry. It original constructors wishes to marry it with the sublime landscape that extends from Royal Screen Mountain to Belvedere Hill and the lagoons of Tam Giang and Cau Hai. To this end they devised a subtle architecture in which every element is inspired by the surrounding countryside. Hue is the embodiment of the art that lends an additional embellishment to nature beauty. At the heart of Hue lies the historic city, whose perfectly proportioned lines seem so natural in their harmony that one forgets that they were fashioned by the hand of man. To the south, on the banks of the River of Perfumes, are Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. These monuments, the works of the country's mostskilled craftsmen, constitute original variations on a single theme. Each of these tombs is a perfect example, after it own fashion, of an architecture attuned to the landscape; and each strikes a particular chord in the visitor's sensibility. The Tomb of Gia-Long, set amidst a vast natural park, gives an impression of strength and serenity, that of Minh-Mang is invested with greatsolemnity, while that of Tu-Duc induces a mood of quiet reverie. The symbolic organization of these spaces makes Hue a city of consummate harmony. It achieves a synthesis of religious and secular architecture, of the ancient and the modern, such that the ancient Imperial City and the new city merge smoothly together. However, as well as being an architectural gem, Hue is also a spiritual shrine and vital cultural center, where the intermingling of Buddhism and Confucianism with local traditions has given rise to religious, philosophic and ethical thought of great originality. It was in this city, whose inhabitants have the reputation of all being born poets, that classical and popular music developed The birthplace of many artists and a central of theatrical tradition, the old capital of Viet Nam was also a focus of literary and scientific activity. Medicine and astronomy flourished within its walls and the authority of its men of science was long renowned beyond the confines of the city. Today this city, proud of its ancient past and representing one of the supreme expressions of Vietnamese creativity, finds some of its most characteristic features threatened. It has suffered both the ravages of tie and destruction caused by one of the cruelest wars in history. Within the citadel - the 'Forbidden Purple City' - almost all the building were destroyed by fire in 1947 by Communist, while the fighting which took place in 1968 destroyed a number of monuments to the south of the city. In this monsoon area, many buildings already damaged by typhoons are in permanent danger. The wind and the rain erode decorative motifs, erase colors and damage wooden structure, while the garden and ornamental lakes are gradually being invaded by vegetation. Hue must be saved for Viet Nam, as one of the shrines of it cultural identity and for the rest of the world, as an integral part of the indivisible heritage of mankind. The Vietnamese Government has been engaged for some years in a major rescue effort; it has set up a historic monuments protection service and has initiated measures to protect endangered buildings. With the help of Unesco, it has also undertaken essential archival work and drawn up restoration and reconstruction plans. It also has a plan to restore to the city something of its former splendor. Hue will not just become a vast museum, bearing witness to its past history; it is also destined to recapture the full vitality of its cultural life. Such measures remain limited. However, and will not be sufficient to save Hue. The very costly rescue program is beyond the means of a country that has suffered grievously over many decades and now finds itself faces with all the problems of rebuilding its economy. Accordingly, the international community is today being invited to lend its support to the Vietnamese people in their efforts to saveguard the city of Hue for future generations. Please see at the Capital City map menu for more details.
