Co Loa translates as spiral and the fort was originally designed to resemble the outward appearance of a conch shell. It was one of the last major structures erected during the final years of the Hong Bang Dynasty which collapsed in 258BC. Temples in the complex were used by the ruling monarchy as places of worship.
A part of Dong Anh District, the citadel is about 15kms from the centre of modern-day Hanoi. The restoration of the temple will see its outer walls buttressed and repaired where needed. Cloisters, shrines and other edifices in the complex will also undergo the same treatment.
A report compiled by administrators says the restoration will make the fort more attractive to domestic and international tourists. The study forecast that once the project is complete, Co Loa would be pulling in 230,000 visitors a year by 2020 and 370,000 by 2030.
Vietnam allocates budget to restore ancient Hanoi fort
News in Asia
Vietnam has allocated a budget of US$340 million to restore the 2,000-year-old Co Loa Citadel. The funds will be used to preserve the Hanoi fort for posterity and turn the surrounding 2,120-acre site into a park themed on history and ecology.