Hanoi ancient gate gets facelift
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Restoration of the O Quan Chuong, the last remaining ancient gate in Hanoi, was completed Tuesday.
Vietnamese experts restored damaged sections and strengthened the gate’s foundation.
They also repaired the nearby sewage system to ensure a firm foundation.
The project had begun in 2009 with a grant of US$74,500 provided by the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.
Built in 1749 during Le Dynasty rule, the gate is the only one of 16 still standing after the ravages of time, neglect, war, and urban expansion destroyed the others.
The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation was set up in 2001 to aid less developed countries preserve their cultural heritage.
It has supported more than 500 cultural preservation projects worldwide.
Vietnam has received around $16 million for nine projects.
