The Flag Tower of Hanoi (Vietnamese: Cột cờ Hà Nội) is a towering historical monument in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a powerful emblem of the nation's enduring spirit. Constructed between 1805 and 1812 during the Nguyen Dynasty under Emperor Gia Long, its initial purpose was an observation post for the formidable Hanoi Citadel. Unlike many other structures within the Citadel that succumbed to the French invasion of 1896-1897, the Flag Tower remarkably survived, serving continuously as a vital military observation point through various conflicts, including the American War. This resilience makes it one of the most well-preserved and imposing remnants of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Vestige.
Beyond its architectural fortitude, the Flag Tower holds profound symbolic significance, particularly in the context of Vietnam's independence.
A pivotal moment occurred on October 10, 1954, when the red flag with a yellow star – the national flag of Vietnam – was proudly hoisted atop the tower for the very first time. This act heralded the liberation of Hanoi from French colonial rule, a moment of immense national jubilation and a definitive step towards Vietnamese self-determination. Recognized as a historical relic in 1989, the Flag Tower has since become a cherished symbol of the capital, embodying the unwavering will, independence, and resilience of the Vietnamese people through centuries of struggles and triumphs.
Architecturally, the Flag Tower of Hanoi is a remarkable example of early 19th-century Vietnamese design, soaring to a total height of 33.4 meters (or 41.4 meters including the flagpole). It comprises three diminishing tiers, meticulously faced with bricks. The first tier measures 42.5 meters wide and 3.1 meters high, while the second tier, 25 meters wide and 3.7 meters high, features four distinct doors inscribed with poetic names: "Nghênh Húc" (To welcome dawn's sunlight) to the east, "Hồi Quang" (To reflect light) to the west, and "Hướng Minh" (Directed to the sunlight) to the south. Above these, the third tier measures 12.8 meters wide and 5.1 meters high, forming the base for the octagonal tower body.
A 54-step spiral staircase gracefully ascends within the tower's interior, leading to the summit. The tower's design incorporates 39 flower-shaped and 6 fan-shaped windows, strategically placed along its fringes to ensure both illumination and ventilation. At the very top, an octagonal observation room, 3.3 meters high and furnished with eight windows, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hanoi. Centrally positioned within this platform is a sturdy 8-meter-high pillar, proudly bearing the national flag, often a sizable 4m by 6m banner crafted from durable, non-glossy fabric designed to withstand strong winds. This iconic landmark continues to draw visitors from across the globe, inviting them to appreciate its historical grandeur and profound symbolic resonance.