Hoa Lu ancient capital, the golden age...

In the middle of the land known as “Ha Long on land”, the ancient capital Hoa Lu is like a silent mark, a place marking a golden age of the nation. After more than 1,000 years, Hoa Lu still exists as a historical witness, a symbol of the desire for independence and the sense of origin in the Vietnamese people's consciousness.

The mark of ancestors

Hoa Lu, about 10 km from the center of Ninh Binh city (old), is nestled among limestone mountains.

According to history books, in 968, after suppressing the 12 warlords, Dinh Bo Linh ascended the throne as Emperor, named the country Dai Co Viet and chose Hoa Lu as the capital. For 42 years (968 - 1010), this place was the political , economic and cultural center of the whole country, associated with the two dynasties of Dinh and Tien Le, opening an era of long-term independence and autonomy of the nation.

It was on this land that the young Dinh Bo Linh raised the reed flag on the lawn with his friends, simulating the battlefield scene, nurturing the great ambition of unifying the country. Then, when he grew up, Dinh Bo Linh became the hero who unified the country after the chaos of the 12 warlords, established the first centralized feudal court, and laid a solid foundation for an independent nation.

Main gate to the special national relic site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Leaving King Dinh Temple, visitors continue their journey to King Le Dai Hanh Temple - the king who continued the career of the Dinh Dynasty, who made an important contribution to preserving the young independence of the nation.

King Le Temple is not only a place to commemorate the wise king who defeated the Song, defeated the Champa, and consolidated independence, but also preserves the special story of Queen Duong Van Nga. When the country was in danger, the Northern invaders threatened to invade, she put aside her personal feelings, gave the royal robe to Le Hoan, and put him on the throne to command the military power. It was this decision that helped Dai Co Viet overcome great challenges and preserve the independence it had just won. The story of Le Hoan - Duong Van Nga therefore became a symbol of the spirit of putting national interests above all else, a vivid testament to the stature and intelligence of our ancestors.

Dangerous terrain, strategic vision

Looking at the terrain of Hoa Lu, we can see the strategic vision of our ancestors. The limestone mountains form a natural wall, embracing the central area; the Hoang Long River winds around like a defensive moat. This is the "mountains embracing, rivers enclosing" position, creating an almost inviolable military advantage while ensuring water resources and farming conditions for the people. It is this terrain that made Hoa Lu the ideal choice for the early days of establishment.

Local people hold a ceremony at King Dinh Tien Hoang temple.

During its 42 years of existence, the capital Hoa Lu was the political, military, economic and cultural center of the whole country. From this land, glorious feats such as defeating the invading Song army and stopping the advance of Champa were recorded, affirming the nation's autonomy. Hoa Lu was also the cradle of Dai Viet civilization, where centralized monarchical institutions were established, the court was built, laws were established, and diplomatic relations with neighbors were established. All of these became important premises for the development of the following dynasties.

Today, Hoa Lu is ranked as a special national relic complex, an indispensable destination in the Ninh Binh tourism journey. Not only is it valuable for sightseeing, this place also has pilgrimage significance, a place for future generations to find their roots and express their gratitude to their ancestors. Every year, in the third lunar month, the Truong Yen festival is held to commemorate the merits of King Dinh and King Le. The palanquin procession and flag-raising rituals recreate the heroic atmosphere of the early days of the nation's founding, becoming a link between the past and the present.

Viet An

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202509/co-do-hoa-lu-vang-son-mot-thuo-bac0702/