.Bạch Dinh is a mansion with European architecture at the end of the 19th century, located on the slopes of Lớn (Big) Mountain of Vũng Tàu. This is a national historical relic and a tourist attraction of the city.

History of Bạch Dinh

In 1820, the Emperor Minh Mạng built Phước Thắng Fortress here to control the Cần Giờ estuary. After controlling Indochina, the French colonial government flattened the fortress to build a mansion used as a resort for the Governor-General of French Indochina. At a result, the Villa was started the construction in 1898 and completed in 1902. Also, it called Villa Blanche. And due to the exterior paint color, the local people called Bạch Dinh (White Mansion).

From September 1907 until 1916, this palace was under house arrest for King Thành Thái before he being finally exiled to Reunion island in Africa. Bạch Dinh was used again as the resort of the Governor-General of Indochina.

In 1934, Bạch Dinh was ceded to be a resort for Emperor Bảo Đại and his wife. In the following years, the palace was always used as a vacation place for the head of state or high-ranking officials of the government of the Republic of Vietnam.

After 1975, the palace was not used for any specific purpose before it was officially converted into a tourist destination. On August 4, 1992, Bạch Dinh was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national historical and cultural relic.

Architecture of Bạch Dinh

Bạch Dinh is located in the south of Lớn (Big) Mountain, 27m above sea level. The palace has European architecture in the late 19th century, overlooking Front Beach, surrounded by a small forest with many types of trees, especially porcelain trees.

There is a road for cars up to the an entrance hall or you can choose a walking path through 146 ancient steps to reach the palace.

Bạch Dinh has 3 floors, followed architectural nuances of France in the late 19th century. The basement is used for cooking. The ground floor is used as a reception area. There are also ancient artifacts used for interior decoration. The first floor is resting area.

Another impressive decoration is the 8 portraits of ancient Greek gods mounted on a straight line surrounding the main walls of the building. Their body are clearly expressed, sharp and delicate. Currently, Bạch Dinh is used as a museum, displaying topics such as pottery from the Qing dynasty, cannons, and many other valuable artifacts found through archaeological excavations in Vũng Tàu…

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