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Flag Tower of Hanoi facts for kids

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Flag tower, Hanoi
The Flag Tower of Hanoi proudly stands in Vietnam.

The Flag Tower of Hanoi (called Cột cờ Hà Nội in Vietnamese) is a famous tower located in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It's one of the most important symbols of Hanoi. This historic tower is part of the Hanoi Citadel, which is a special place recognized as a World Heritage Site. The tower itself is about 33.4 metres (110 ft) (around 110 feet) tall, not counting the flag flying high above it.

History of the Flag Tower

The Flag Tower of Hanoi was built a long time ago, in the year 1812. It was created during a time when Vietnam was ruled by emperors.

Unlike many other old buildings in Hanoi, this tower was not destroyed. It survived even when the French took control of Vietnam between 1896 and 1897. During that time, the tower was used as a military post. Soldiers would use it to watch over the city.

Today, the Flag Tower is a special part of the Vietnam Military History Museum. Visitors can learn about its past and see it up close.

What the Tower Looks Like

The Flag Tower of Hanoi has a unique design. It is built with three different levels, or tiers. The main part of the tower is shaped like a pyramid.

Inside the tower, there is a spiral staircase. This staircase winds its way up to the very top. As you go up, you can see many windows. There are 42 windows in total. Some of these windows, 36 of them, are shaped like beautiful flowers. The other 6 windows are shaped like fans.

At the very top of the tower, the National Flag of Vietnam flies proudly. This flag is a symbol of the country.

You can also find special words carved on the tower's doors:

  • On the eastern door, the words "Nghênh Húc" mean "To welcome dawn's sunlight."
  • On the western door, "Hà Quang" means "To reflect light."
  • On the southern door, "Hướng Minh" means "Directed to the sunlight."

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