Tu Duc's tomb at Hue Monuments by Kieran Kesner for CyArkCyArk
In 1802, the city of Hué in Thua Thien-Hue Province was made the capital of Vietnam. It was the political, cultural and religious center of the country under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945.
Tap to explore
The Tu Duc Tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled from 1848 until his death in 1883. During his reign he not only had to deal with increasing colonialism from the west, but also unrest from his own people – particularly about the construction of his tomb.
Citadel At Hue (1968-03-13) by Central PressGetty Images
The tomb was supposed to take six years to build, but in an attempt to reduce this to three years managers of the project took away breaktime from the laborers. This resulted in a rebellion.
Digitally documenting Hue Monuments by Kieran Kesner for CyArkCyArk
Construction eventually resumed and the park-like tomb complex was completed with a design that reflects the extensive education Tu Duc had in history, philosophy, literature, and art.
Digitally documenting Tu Duc's tomb at Hue Monuments by Kieran Kesner for CyArkCyArk
The Hué Monuments Complex has suffered from the effects of wars and is currently managed by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.
