Hanoi's North Gate is a historical site that attracts many tourists (Photo: Collected)[/caption] Outside the door's forehead, three Chinese characters "Chinh Bac Mon" are carved on a prominent stone plaque. The rectangular stone edge of the door is decorated with sophisticated patterns with symbolic lotus petal borders, creating a sense of grandeur and solemnity for the building. Next to the "Chinh Bac Mon" plaque, the stone plaque engraved with the date April 25, 1882 is still intact, marking the day the French army broke through the citadel and took Hanoi. On the door body, two cannonball marks are still imprinted, as a reminder of the time when Hanoi fiercely fought back against the power of the French warships attacking from the Red River. With a height of nearly 9 meters, the door is a solid brick arch, combined with a tight stone and wood structure to create a solid look, while highlighting the architectural characteristics of the Nguyen Dynasty. The citadel was built extremely solidly with stones and bricks arranged in a special structure, square bricks were skillfully installed, creating a beauty that is balanced between ancient and quiet. The North Gate has become an irreplaceable symbol, demonstrating the indomitable tradition of our nation in fighting against foreign invaders. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] 
The cannon marks on the North Gate (Photo: Collected)[/caption] Inside the North Gate is a memorial to the two loyal Governors Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hoang Dieu - who fought and sacrificed in fierce battles to protect Hanoi from invasion. On the night of November 19 and early morning of November 20, 1873, the French army suddenly attacked the citadel. Governor Nguyen Tri Phuong, after being seriously injured and losing his son in the battle, refused to be treated by the enemy and went on a hunger strike until he died. More than nine years later, Governor Hoang Dieu continued that spirit in another battle, bravely defending the citadel until the last minute and determined to die when he could not defend the citadel. Today, North Gate is an unmissable destination for Hanoians and visitors from all over, a place for us to look back on the heroic history of the nation. Visitors coming here can easily feel the silence and steadfastness of a historical relic remaining from the ancient citadel. Standing in front of the bullet marks still deeply imprinted on the door, everyone can imagine the brutality of the old wars and feel deep gratitude towards those who fell for independence. As a witness of the past, Cua Bac has witnessed many ups and downs of Hanoi and the whole country. The image of the majestic “Chinh Bac Mon” with its unique architectural features not only has cultural value, but is also a symbol of the indomitable spirit, the pride of the Vietnamese people.Hoang Anh
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