The Prime Minister has recently approved a master plan on preservation and restoration of Co Loa Citadel in Hanoi, with the aim to develop the site into a historical, ecological and humane park.

Under the plan, Co Loa Citadel will become a national historical-cultural relic site and one of the main parks in Hanoi, which will cover about 860ha in Co Loa, Duc Tu, Viet Hung and Uy No communes of suburban Dong Anh district.

The follow-up steps will include the conducting of a survey of the projected area and identification of major values of Co Loa Citadel in the national relic system.

Solutions to preserve the architectural feature of tangible heritages, including three wall-layers of the citadel, gates, communal houses, temples and other inner venues, will be included.

In addition to that are solutions to use the relic space for tourism and improve the living condition of residents in the area.

Co Loa Citadel was built near Phong Khe, about 20 km to the north of today’s Hanoi , during the end of the Hong Bang Dynasty (about 257 BC).

Covering nearly 500ha, the citadel is a place of worship for King An Duong Vuong and Princess My Chau, who are mentioned in the magic crossbow legend that has been woven into the anti-foreign invasion history of Vietnamese people.

According to folklore, An Dương Vương founded the ancient Vietnamese state of Au Lac and chose Co Loa as the capital city.