Nestled in the heart of Hue’s historic imperial complex, Dục Đức Tomb (An Tomb) stands as a poignant testament to the intricate history of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. This remarkable site commemorates three generations of royal figures who played pivotal roles in the nation’s journey towards independence, offering visitors a profound glimpse into a tumultuous period of Vietnamese history.
Overview of Duc Duc Tomb (An Tomb)
Unlike the grandiose royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, Dục Đức Tomb (An Tomb) embodies simplicity and moderation. Spanning 3,445 square meters, the rectangular tomb breaks traditional architectural conventions, notably absent of stone statues and a traditional stele house.
Long An Palace: situated at the tomb’s center, this structure hosts three significant altars honoring:
- Emperor Duc Duc and his wife (center altar)
- Emperor Thanh Thai (left altar)
- Emperor Duy Tan (right altar)
Innovative Design Elements:
- Two cement-roofed three-entrance gates
- Huynh Oc house replacing the traditional stele house
- Stone platform and stone coach for ceremonial purposes
Dục Đức Tomb (An Tomb) is a powerful symbol of resistance and national pride, housing the remains of emperors who challenged colonial rule: Emperor Thanh Thai and Emperor Duy Tan
The tomb complex encompasses:
- 39 tombs of lords and madams
- 121 tombs of the Nguyen Phuc clan
- Burial sites for imperial family members, including wives and relatives
Dục Đức Tomb (An Tomb) was officially recognized as a national architectural and artistic relic on September 27th, 1997, by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
The tomb’s strategic placement considers traditional feng shui principles:
- Phuoc Qua islet: “Tien an” (guarding screen)
- Mu Niem River: “Minh duong”
- Tam Thai Mountain: “Hau cham”
How to get to Duc Duc Tomb (An Tomb)
Address: An Cuu ward, Hue city
Things to Know
| Opening Hours: | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily |
| Entrance Fee: | 50,000 VND per person |
| Visitor Tips: | Recommended visit duration: 1-1.5 hours Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon |
| Nearby Attractions: | Khai Dinh Tomb (10 km away) Tu Duc Tomb (12 km away) Imperial City of Hue (8 km away) |
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