Ngo Mon Gate

The monumental southern gate of the Imperial City, crowned by the Five Phoenix Pavilion and the stage for the last emperor's abdication in 1945.

Ngo Mon is the ceremonial face of imperial Hue. Completed in 1833 under Emperor Minh Mang, it combines a massive stone-and-brick base pierced by five passages with the elegant timber Ngu Phung pavilion above, its yellow-tiled roofs reserved for the emperor and green tiles for the wings. The central passage was used only by the sovereign; mandarins and soldiers passed through the side gates, and elephants and horses through the outer arches. From the upper pavilion emperors presided over proclamations, calendar ceremonies and the announcement of examination results, and it was here on 30 August 1945 that Bao Dai handed over his sword and seal, ending the monarchy. Climb to the upper level for the finest framed view of the Flag Tower and the moat, and come back at night, when the gate is lit and the square in front fills with local families.