Ancient city opens doors for millennial celebration

The citadel became a UNESCO World Heritage Site early this month.

The site in question, referred to as the 18 Hoang Dieu archaeological site, contains traces of the palaces from the Ly, Tran and Le dynasties. The site is located at the heart of the citadel.

The opening is expected to promote the relics further and attract individuals and scientists to preserve them. Numerous fragments of china and pottery have been excavated.

Local experts and scientists affiliated with UNESCO are conducting excavations around the site. A master plan for the long-term preservation of the Thang Long Royal Citadel is also in the works.

Katherine Muller Marin, head of UNESCO’s Hanoi office, said experts and government officials have to guarantee the citadel’s preservation in the long-term.

Marin said the experts and officials need to protect the relics from all potential vandals.

UNESCO has been sending foreign experts to preserve and develop the citadel as the city’s humid and wet weather has taken its toll on many of the excavated items.