HANOI - THE CITY FOR PEACE
During the French colonial period (1884-1945), Hanoi became the capital of the entire Indochinese Federation (including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia). This special period of history had created a new version of the city itself. It has also left to date a number of significant architectural works as “cultural and historical imprints”.
“Con Coc” Garden (The Toad Garden)
The Toad Garden has a magnificent location which is between the State Bank, the Metropole Hotel and behind Hoan Kiem Lake. The garden has long been a cultural and historical place that is connected to the lives of Hanoi people.
The French built this garden in 1901 and named it “Chavassieux” in memory of Leon Jean Chavassieux (1848-1895), a French ruler in Indochina. The center of the garden contained a fountain, overlooking which was a cottage housing his remains. The flower garden faced the Palace of the Governor of Tonkin, where he worked for 2 years (now known as the Government Guest House).
The fountain possesses an East-cum-West style. While the details on the pillar are inspired by the French style, under the pedestal there are 8 carved dragons adored for four directions respectively. This is considered the “oldest fountain in Hanoi”, which not only has historical significance but also profound cultural meaning.
In 1945, the garden was re-named “Dien Hong”, but the people of Hanoi were more familiar with “The Toad Garden” because of the 4 statues of toads on the fountain. People usually come here to play, do physical exercises, and many couples even choose the garden as the location for their wedding photography. The famous comedian Charlie Chaplin and his ex-wife and also a well-known star Paulette Goddard once visited the garden on their honeymoon.
Opera House
The Opera House is not only a famous architectural work in Hanoi, but also a cultural and artistic symbol of this Capital.
The theater is located on The August Revolution Square, not far from Hoan Kiem Lake and next to the Hilton Hanoi Hotel. The French began its construction in 1901 and it was not completed until 1911. The Opera House was initially made for the sake of French art and some of few upper-class Vietnamese people at that time.
The Hanoi Opera House is modeled after the Garnier Opera in Paris. It mainly has French Neoclassical architectural characteristics, but is also summed up by distinguished styles such as Renaissance, Baroque, and so on. Its capacity is 598 seats, with many hanging lights, crystal chandeliers and large mirrors. Finally, behind the stage there are 18 make-up rooms for actors and actresses, 2 gyms, and other rooms like libraries and meeting rooms.
The Opera House is the place that enabled Vietnamese drama theatre to come into being, as well as other art forms like symphonies, choirs, musicals, and dance. Not only that, it is also a historic site where the launch of Viet Minh Front in 1945 took place. It also housed the first -ever National Assembly seating of the independent Vietnam in 1946.
Today, the Opera House is widely open to the public, welcoming all art lovers. Here, the audience can enjoy the performances of Vietnamese art troupes and also international artists.
Long Bien Bridge
Speaking of cultural and historical markers of the French colonial era, it is impossible not to mention Long Bien Bridge. In 2022, Hanoi will celebrate the 120th anniversary of the inauguration of this Bridge (1902-2022).
Long Bien Bridge is renowned for connecting Long Bien and Hoan Kiem districts. The bridge was built in 1898 and was officially put into use in 1902. It was originally named Paul Doumer Bridge, in honor of the French Governor-General of Indochina at that time.
Huong Giang