The VND14 billion (US$650,000) project, implemented by Central Fine Arts Company over 36 months, aims to give the citadel a comprehensive upgrade. — Photo zing.vn

DONG NAI (VNS) — Renovation on Bien Hoa Ancient Citadel in Quang Vinh Ward, Bien Hoa City in the southern province of Dong Nai began on Wednesday.

The VND14 billion (US$650,000) project, implemented by Central Fine Arts Company over 36 months, aims to give the citadel a comprehensive upgrade.

The citadel is historically significant for its role in the early southward thrust by the central-based Nguyen Dynasty 300 years ago and the French and American wars in the 20th century.

Originally built of earth in the 14-15th century, it was rebuilt with bricks in 1837. The 10,816sq.m citadel has two large buildings and two blockhouses left inside its outer walls. — VNS