The Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a repository for Vietnam’s proud wartime landmarks, as well as an impressive architectural work of Vietnam. Therefore, if you come to Vietnam, remember to take the time to explore this historical site!
To make your visit more complete, let’s find out some information about the Independence Palace. In this article, we will share with you the full experience of visiting the Independence Palace by answering the following questions: Where is the Independence Palace? In which district is the Independence Palace relic located? What year was the palace built? How is it done? What is the significance of the Independence Palace relic?
Where is the Independence Palace?
The address of the Independence Palace relic site is 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The palace has been classified as a special national monument of Vietnam. This location was the site of many historical events, the most notable of which was the liberation of the South and the reunification of Vietnam on April 30, 1975.
The Independence Palace is a place to display vivid documents, to be a historical witness, and to mark a heroic time against the invaders of Vietnam.
Independence Palace was built in which year?
According to recorded documents, the Independence Palace was built during the French colonial period. On February 23, 1868, the Governor of Cochinchina, Lagrandière, held a groundbreaking ceremony for this project in Saigon.
In 1871, after the construction was completed, the palace was named Norodom Palace.
During the period from 1871 to 1887, the palace was called the Palace of the Governor of Cochinchina.
From 1887 to 1945, the name was changed to the Palace of the Governor General.
In 1955, the Palace of the Governor General was renamed the Palace of Independence under Ngo Dinh Diem’s reign.
A bombing damaged the Independence Palace in 1962. The main part of the left wing and the gate of the Independence Palace have completely collapsed. Seeing that it could not be restored, Ngo Dinh Diem decided to level it and rebuild it on the old ground.
About the architecture of Independence Palace
After being rebuilt, the palace has a height of 26 meters. The entire campus has an area of 4500 m2. The usable area is up to 20,000 m2, with 3 main floors, 2 mezzanines, a ground floor, 2 basements, and a terrace for parking helicopters.
Independence Palace is very nicely designed. With 100 rooms, however, each room is decorated in a unique style suitable for its use. Until now, this is still a work showing the talent and ingenuity of the architect and a team of builders.
Inside the Independence Palace, there are 3 separate areas: the thematic area, the permanent area, and the additional area.
The permanent area
This is the place where the old government worked and lived. The fixed area inside the Independence Palace has rooms, receptions, cabinets, banquets, the security council, the office of the president, rooms of government officials…. Besides, there is an entertainment area, a bedroom area, and other areas.
Thematic area inside Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace
At the Palace, the thematic area is the place to display major themes and exhibitions. Coming here, visitors will see firsthand the authentic and vivid photos of the previous period. Along with the presentations of the tour guides, you will learn many historical details hidden behind these documents and photos. This is very rare knowledge found in the media, books, or other materials.
Additional area
This area displays and preserves many photos of historical value that have been collected and preserved. The additional area in the Independence Palace is like a movie to help future generations understand a part of history and the resilience and indomitableness of the previous generation in the resistance war against the invaders to have a peaceful life like today.
Visitors can visit the Independence Palace’s basement or walk outside on the green campus grass in addition to the three main areas of the palace. At the same time, look at the mansion from all angles, discover the unique and impressive architecture of Independence Palace.
Independence Palace is a famous historical site in Vietnam. This place displays vestiges from the war and is also a place with unique architecture and an impressive landscape.
