Ancient fort gets $40,000 make-over

Once built to defend against attacking troops, a 500-year-old fort in the northern province of Tuyen Quang is now subject to its own protection project.

Under the plan, already given the green light by the provincial People’s Committee, the Mac dynasty fort will receive VND6 billion (nearly US$40,000) from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to renovate its two remaining gates and walls. The work is slated to wrap up in 2009.

Built in 1592, the fort is located in a highly strategic position above Tuyen Quang Town and the Lo River, at the top of 50m high Tho Son Mountain.

The brick walls were first strengthened during the Nguyen dynasty in the 19th century. Since then the building has become dilapidated, with only the east and south gates and 100m of wall remaining intact.

According to one local legend attached to the monument, the fort – and its adjoining mountain – were built in one night.