(Cinet)- Designed by Architect Ngo Viet Thu, the Independence Palace is known as the harmonious combination of the Eastern and Western styles. The construction was begun in 1962 and completed in 1966.
Establishing history
On 23
rd February, 1868 France Governor in the South of Viet Nam – Lagradìere laid the foundation on an area of 12 hectares in the centre of Sai Gon aiming to construct Governor-general of Indochina Palace, called “ Norodom Palace”. The Palace is used for Japan Administration in Viet Nam from March to September, 1945. After climbing down in World War II, Japan had to give it back for France authority.
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Norodom Palace in the old times |
The Palace was handed over Ngo Dinh Diem Authority and changed its name to “ Independence Palace” on 7
th September,1954
In 1976, The Independence Palace was declared to be a National Cultural and Historical Relic (in 77A/VHQD Decision dated June 25th, 1976 by the Minister of Culture).
At present, Independence Palace becomes an attractive destinations for approximately 500,000 visitors annually including both internal as well as external tourists.
Architecture of Independence Palace
Designed by Architect Ngo Viet Thu, the Independence Palace is known as the harmonious combination of the Eastern and Western styles.
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A view of grounfd plan |
The ground plan of the structure has the form of the Chinese character meaning “luck” or “good future”. The stone floral curtains are based on the design of doors of the ancient capital palace in Hue, covering tightly the 2
nd floor.
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The motto of “clear and straight forward” in architecture of Independence Palace |
Inside the palace, all corridors, halls, and rooms take the motto of “clear and straight forward” as their base. The front yard of the Palace is a grass carpet in an oval shape with a diameter of 102m. Along the width of the Great Hall runs Half Moon Lake.
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“T” shape with a surface area of the main building |
The Palace has 4 building areas. Among of them, the main building area has a “T” shape with a surface area of 4,500sq.m, 26m in height, and it is located at the Central position of the land area. The total usable area is 20,000sq.m divided into 95 rooms. After 1975, some rooms of this main building area continue to be used, the remainings are for serving tourists.
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Fresh green grass yards among 4 building areas |
Beside the above building area, at the left corner of the Palace, there is an octagonal house of 4m in diameter, built on a high earth mound, which is used as a place for enjoying the fresh air and relaxation. Mixed among the above 4 building areas are fresh green grass yards, groves of old trees, precious pots of ornamental plants and 4 tennis courts behind the main building area.
Ngoc Anh
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