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Hue, the ancient capital with its millennia-old cultural and historical values, has always been an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Within the Imperial Citadel complex, the The To Temple stands out as a sacred architectural work of special significance. Recently, the Hue Ancient Citadel Conservation Center announced that from September 9, 2025, the interior of the The To Temple will temporarily cease operations for visitors.
The Ancestral Temple, also known as The Mieu, is one of the most important architectural works in the Hue Imperial Citadel, located in the Hien Lam Cac area. It is a place of worship for the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, from the founding emperor Gia Long to the last emperor Bao Dai. Built in 1821 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, its exquisite and majestic architecture reflects the reverence of later generations for their ancestors.
In 1821, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng, Hoàng Khảo Miếu was moved approximately 50 meters to the north to make way for the construction of Thế Tổ Miếu. Initially, this temple was dedicated only to Thế Tổ Cao Hoàng Đế - Emperor Gia Long. Later, Thế Tổ Miếu became the place of worship for most of the emperors of the Nguyễn dynasty.
The interior of the Ancestral Temple is a treasure trove of history, with altars, ancestral tablets, and precious artifacts that fully reflect the history of the 13 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. Allowing visitors access to this space over the years has helped the public gain a deeper understanding of the history of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty. However, with the increase in tourism, heritage preservation also faces many challenges. Human impact, even unintentional, can affect the artifacts, diminishing the value of the monument over time.
Visitors come here to see a unique structure, a majestic place of worship, and to learn about the lives and backgrounds of the kings of the Nguyen dynasty. At the same time, visitors will gain a better understanding of Vietnamese history.
According to representatives from the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, temporarily suspending visitor access to the interior of the The To Temple is a necessary and long-term decision. The main purpose is to ensure the solemnity of the historical site, which is a sacred place of worship. Minimizing visitor access will help maintain a tranquil and dignified atmosphere, befitting the meaning of a place of worship.
Furthermore, this is an important step in the long-term preservation of precious cultural and historical values. The artifacts, wooden structures, and decorative details in the Ancestral Temple are all very ancient and easily damaged by temperature, humidity, and frequent human contact. Temporarily suspending interior visits will help minimize negative impacts and create favorable conditions for experts to carry out periodic restoration and maintenance work more effectively. This is not only the responsibility of the Center but also a collective effort to preserve heritage for future generations.
The Thế Tổ Temple is built within a rectangular area of approximately 2 hectares, occupying a large portion of the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City. The temple itself is designed in the "double-roofed, overlapping roof" style, a type of double-roofed building on a single foundation. The foundation area is approximately 1,500 square meters.
To address the challenge of balancing preservation and serving tourists, the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center has implemented several thoughtful support measures. Instead of completely closing the temple, the The To Temple will open its central entrances so that visitors can observe the entire interior space from the outside. Even without entering, visitors can still admire the architectural beauty, the arrangement of the altars, and feel the solemnity of the place.
The front hall of the Thế Tổ Temple consists of 11 single bays and 2 side wings, while the main hall has 9 bays and 2 double wings, connected by intricately carved wooden planks. The roof of the Thế Tổ Temple has two levels, covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the ridge is adorned with majestic dragon figures. The cornice between the two roof levels is decorated with vivid and distinctive paintings.
In addition, to meet the religious needs of the people, an incense offering area will be set up right in front of the Ancestral Temple. This allows visitors to express their reverence without affecting the space inside.
Notably, to compensate for the limitations on in-person visits, the Center will organize a separate exhibition area at Hien Lam Pavilion. Here, visitors will be provided with detailed information, high-quality images, and valuable documents about The To Temple. This exhibition area will help visitors better understand the historical value, architecture, and significance of the structure in a comprehensive way. This is a smart solution that both preserves the heritage and educates and provides knowledge to the public.
