Vietnam will spend over US$300 million conserving, restoring and promoting a place of worship in the capital city of Hanoi, as well as turning it into a historical-ecological park.

The expected investment cost for Co Loa Citadel, located in Dong Anh District, is around VND7.4 trillion ($338 million), including funding from the state budget and contributions from society.

The investment plan aims at conserving, restoring and promoting the value of Co Loa Citadel, within a total area of 860.4 hectares, while turning it into a historical-ecological park.

Efforts to preserve the architectural features of tangible heritage, including the three walls of the citadel, gates, communal houses, temples and other inner venues, will be included.

The future park is expected to welcome around 229,000 visits per year by 2020, and 373,000 visits per year by 2030.

Co Loa Citadel was built near Phong Khe, about 20km 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 referenced in the magic crossbow legend that has been woven into the anti-foreign invasion history of the Vietnamese people.

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

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