Hoa Lu ancient capital belongs to Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province; It is about 100km from Hanoi capital. This was the first capital of the feudal state of Vietnam. Although it was chosen as the capital of Dai Co Viet for only a short time, in Hoa Lu many important events of the country took place.

The history of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital with a thickness of more than 1000 years still preserves many heroic vestiges. Through many feudal dynasties, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was the first capital of Vietnam.

Hoa Lu ancient capital is an important relic complex of Vietnam and one of the four core areas of the Trang An  relic complex recognized by UNESCO. The system of relics in Hoa Lu is related to the careers of historical figures of the three dynasties Dinh, Tien Le and the beginning of the Ly Dynasty, from Dinh Tien Hoang to Ly Thai Tong in history. Hoa Lu ancient capital historical relic area now has a planned area of ​​13.87 km² in Ninh Binh province. With a thickness of more than 1000 years, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a place to store historical relics through many ages.

From the Han Dynasty through the Three Kingdoms to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu belonged to Cau Lau district, Giao Chi district. During the Tang Dynasty, this area belonged to Changzhou.

During the Ngo Dynasty, this area was the base of Dinh Bo Linh. He had successfully repulsed the attack of the central government of Co Loa in 951, led by two brothers, Thien Sach, Ngo Xuong Ngam, and King of Nam Tan, Ngo Xuong Van. Until the Ngo family died, this was still the base of Dinh Bo Linh.

In 968, Dinh Bo Linh put down 12 warlords, ascended the throne and established the capital in Hoa Lu, which became the political center of Dai Co Viet. From 968 to 1009, there were 6 kings of 3 dynasties stationed here. During this period, Hoa Lu was the place where many diplomatic activities took place between the courts of Dai Co Viet and the Northern Song dynasty (China).

In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Thang Long (Hanoi), Hoa Lu became the ancient capital. Hoa Lu is a large-scale capital designed and built by the Vietnamese themselves. It affirms the courage, intelligence, creativity and sense of independence and self-control of the Vietnamese people in the 10th century.

In the early Le dynasty, Hoa Lu ancient capital was merged into Thanh Hoa, and since Le Thanh Tong’s time was separated, it belonged to Truong Yen government, inheriting Son Nam province.

Through the Southern and Northern Dynasties, from the Le Trung Hung period to the Tay Son Dynasty, this area belonged to Truong Yen government of Thanh Hoa foreign town. From the administrative reform of King Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1831. This area belongs to Ninh Binh province. From December 27, 1975, Ninh Binh province merged with Nam Dinh and Ha Nam provinces to form Ha Nam Ninh province and then re-established on December 26, 1991, Hoa Lu ancient capital area returned to Ninh Binh province

Hoa Lu ancient capital – A mark of a golden age of the nation

If you have the opportunity to return to the ancient capital in the journey to discover Ninh Binh , you will surely be surprised by the quiet, nostalgic scene and the subtle aftertaste of time here. But somewhere in the ramparts and walls, you will still recognize the majesty and majesty of a magnificent imperial capital back in the day. 

With an impressive spacious area of ​​more than 300 hectares, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a complex of relics with architectural works of walls, caves, temples, tombs and other works of historical and cultural value. high chemistry. The ancient capital is divided into 3 zones, including: special protection zone, buffer zone and related relics.

The special protection area covers the entire area inside Hoa Lu citadel, with relics that have survived to this day such as King Le Dai Hanh temple, Dinh Tien Hoang temple, Phat Kim princess temple, Nhat pagoda. Pillar, garden Thien, Kim Ngan pagoda, Cau Den stele, Co Am pagoda, Cho temple, Bim cave, Duyen Ninh pagoda, Sao Khe river and city wall, underground power base.

Meanwhile, the buffer zone of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital includes the landscape area on both sides of Sao Khe stream, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with a system of pagodas and Am Tien Cave, Yen Trach Communal House, Muoi Cave, Quan Cave, and Cave Cave. Sinh Duoc cave, Luon cave, Dia Linh cave, Ba Giot cave, Nau Ruo cave, Ba Ngo pagoda, Tran temple, Khong palace, Phu Dong cave, Lien Hoa cave, Boi cave, etc.

Related relics in Hoa Lu ancient capital complex played an important role under Dinh dynasty, including ancient Bai Dinh pagoda system , South gate, Dong gate, Hoa Lu cave, Thien Ton cave, Dinh Bo Linh temple. and other relics worshiping King Dinh in Ninh Binh province.

In addition to the temples of King Dinh and King Le, around the area there are also a number of ancient communal houses and pagodas with thousands of years old that are also part of the architecture in the main palace area, each with its own charm. Coming to Hoa Lu ancient capital in Ninh Binh , visitors will be immersed in the natural beauty bestowed on this sacred land.

Visitors will also admire the remains of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, learn more about architecture and art. This is also an opportunity for people to pay tribute to their ancestors, to hear interesting stories about ancient kings and national heroes who have built and defended the country.