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Anderson
November 22, 2024
One of the most mentioned tombs in Huế’s tourist attractions is the Khải Định Tomb. This tomb is known for its unique architecture and high artistic value. So, what makes Khải Định Tomb special compared to other royal tombs? Let’s explore this in detail with Bamboo Airways in the following article.
King Khải Định (1885 – 1925), whose real name was Nguyễn Phúc Bửu Đảo, was born in the imperial city of Huế in the year 1885. He ascended to the throne in 1916 as the 12th emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty, under the title Phúc Tuấn. During his reign, Khải Định initiated the construction of several grand structures, among which Khải Định Tomb in Huế stands out as unique among all the royal tombs he commissioned.
Building numerous palaces, residences, and tombs consumed a lot of the people’s wealth and labor. However, these structures have become artistic landmarks passed down through generations. After ruling for over 9 years, Khải Định passed away at the age of 41. He was buried in Khải Định Tomb, also known as Ứng Tomb. Additionally, he was posthumously honored with the temple name Hoằng Tông.
Khải Định Tomb began construction in September 1920. It is located on Châu Chữ Mountain (also known as Châu Ê), in Thủy Bằng commune, Hương Thủy town, in the former imperial capital of Huế. This is a peaceful, open space, surrounded by popular tourist spots such as Thủy Tiên Lake, Thiên An Hill, and the spiritual area of the Quan Âm statue. The tomb reflects Khải Định’s fondness for luxury and extravagance during his life.
When Khải Định ascended the throne, succeeding his father King Đồng Khánh, he began thinking about building his future burial site. He consulted geomancers and selected Châu Chữ Mountain as the best location for his tomb. The site was chosen according to a feng shui model:
Khải Định Tomb was constructed under the supervision of General Lê Văn Bá and took 11 years to complete, finishing in 1931. The tomb owes its current appearance to the skilled craftsmanship of many famous artisans from across the country, such as Cửu Sừng, Phan Văn Tánh, Ký Duyệt, and Nguyễn Văn Khả.
During the construction, Khải Định faced significant financial difficulties. To fund the tomb, he requested permission from the French protectorate government to increase land taxes by 30%. This tax hike was applied nationwide to finance the tomb’s construction, a decision that has been harshly criticized in history for burdening the people.
Khải Định Tomb covers an area of 117m x 48.5m. Although smaller than the tombs of previous kings, it is incredibly elaborate, with materials imported from abroad such as cement, steel, Ardoise tiles, and iron from France, as well as colored glass and porcelain from Japan and China. The construction was very time-consuming due to the meticulous attention to detail.
Khải Định Tomb is considered an architectural blend of classical and modern styles, diverging from traditional Nguyễn dynasty and royal tomb architecture. This is why Khải Định is often seen as the most “modern” emperor among the Nguyễn kings. The architecture of Khải Định Tomb in Huế is described in three words: new, unique, and strange. The tomb is a rectangular structure that rises up 127 steps.
It harmoniously combines various architectural styles such as Buddhism, Roman, Hinduism, and Gothic. This combination is evident in the tomb’s grand design:
Thiên Định Palace is the main architectural structure of Ứng Tomb. It was meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, especially Phan Văn Tánh, who created the famous “Nine Dragons Hidden in Clouds” murals that adorn the ceilings of the three central rooms in Thiên Định Palace.
Thiên Định Palace consists of five connected parts:
The interior of Thiên Định Palace is decorated with the finest materials like glass and porcelain, used to create works such as the Four Seasons, Five Blessings, royal crowns, trays, and tea sets. Additionally, modern items like oil lamps, alarm clocks, and tennis rackets are displayed in the palace.
These are all the details about Khải Định Tomb, a historical landmark with a mysterious beauty that also embodies modern elements. If you ever visit Huế, be sure to visit Ứng Tomb to witness its majestic yet unique and new architecture.
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