In Hanoi, today January 4, government officials, preservation experts and the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak cut the ribbon on the completion of a 74,500 USD project to restore Hanoi’s last remaining city gate – O Quan Chuong.

“O Quan Chuong is not only a landmark of the ancient city of Thang Long, but a symbol of the spirit and resilience of the people of Hanoi. It is my hope that the gate will stand for 1,000 years and beyond as a symbol of the friendship between the two countries”, said Mr Ambassador Michalak.

This first phase of the project, implemented by the Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was made possible by the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which allows US Ambassadors to provide grants to support important preservation projects around the world.

The preservation work done thus far includes strengthening the structure by repairing cracks in the foundation; carefully removing moss, fungus and other harmful substances; replacement of bricks; construction of a rainwater drainage system; and the installation of new stones on the pathway through the gate.

In 1749, O Quan Chuong was built during the Le Dynasty, and is the only one of 16 original city gates that remains standing. Vietnam has been awarded some nine projects since 2001, each contributing to a different aspect of the country’s diverse heritage.

Source: CPV