The gate, built in 1749 during the Le Dynasty, still stands tall after successive wars against French colonial forces and a brutal sustained bombing campaign by the US razed much of the old capital.

Vanquished either by the wars, urban expansion or neglect, the capital’s 15 other original city gates cease to exist. Rapidly deteriorating, O Quan Chuong is in desperate need of restoration.

The preservation project, funded by the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, will be an important part of celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi’s founding next year.

With the US grant, Vietnamese restoration experts will work for several months to repair damaged sections of the gate and strengthen its foundation.

Adjacent sewage systems will also be renovated to reinforce the groundwork.

Reported by Bao Anh