Hanoi authorities announced a US$1.1 million-plus project to preserve the capital’s imperial citadel on Wednesday as part of a project in cooperation with the UNESCO.

Preservation recommendations would then be made in accordance with the project’s findings, according to the agreement signed between UNESCO and the Hanoi’s People’s Committee Wednesday.

The plan will also include improving the capacity of local managers, planners and scientists through seminars and field trips.

Experts said the move was particularly significant given that the capital is about to celebrate its 1,000^th anniversary this October. The Thang Long citadel will be the focus of several major events during the city-wide anniversary festival.

The Co Loa Relic Site – Hanoi Ancient City Preservation Center was assigned to execute the project.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was first discovered in 2002.

The citadel, which is believed to be part of a citadel system built in 11^th century, was found at No.18 Hoang Dieu Street during excavation work to build a new national assembly building.

Since then archeologists have unearthed many vestiges and artifacts from the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties at the 19,000-squaremeter site. They’ve also found many objects dating to between 7th and 9th centuries, when Chinese colonizers ruled over Vietnam.

The complex is now under consideration by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Source: VNA