Ngọ Môn Gate
The Meridian Gate, also known as the South Gate, is the main gate to the Imperial City, Huế, located within the citadel of Huế, Vietnam.
The gate is divided into two levels: the stone and brick fortress-like base structure, and the more elaborate, palace-like upper level.
The ground level has five entrances, of which the centre one was always reserved for the monarch's use only. The two, slightly smaller, side entrances were reserved for mandarins, soldiers and horses. The two small arched entrances on the side were for the rest and commoners.
The upper level consists of the "Five-Phoenix Pavilion" (Lầu Ngũ Phụng). From the main hall, the emperor would watch troop movements and his subjects bringing homage. The pavilion's roof is decked in imperial yellow, glazed ceramic roof tiles. On the roof tiles are various animals and creatures to ward off evil. The main hall is flanked by two side pavilions, which were reserved for members of the court.
Ngọ Môn Gate
The Meridian Gate, also known as the South Gate, is the main gate to the Imperial City, Huế, located within the citadel of Huế, Vietnam.
The gate is divided into two levels: the stone and brick fortress-like base structure, and the more elaborate, palace-like upper level.
The ground level has five entrances, of which the centre one was always reserved for the monarch's use only. The two, slightly smaller, side entrances were reserved for mandarins, soldiers and horses. The two small arched entrances on the side were for the rest and commoners.
The upper level consists of the "Five-Phoenix Pavilion" (Lầu Ngũ Phụng). From the main hall, the emperor would watch troop movements and his subjects bringing homage. The pavilion's roof is decked in imperial yellow, glazed ceramic roof tiles. On the roof tiles are various animals and creatures to ward off evil. The main hall is flanked by two side pavilions, which were reserved for members of the court.