(VNF) - Hai Van Gate, which sits atop its namesake mountain pass in central Vietnam, separating Da Nang city and Thua Thien-Hue province, has been recognised as a national relic.

The decision was made officially by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The gate is in good condition and has an ancient design. (Photo: thesunkissertraveler)

Located 490m above sea level, Hai Van Gate is a relic with profound historical, architectural and artistic value, connecting Da Nang’s Lien Chieu district with Thua Thien-Hue’s Phu Loc district.

The Hai Van Pass runs some 21km on the Bach Ma Range, which juts into the East Sea in central Vietnam.

It's the only ancient architectural structure that has survived since 1047, before being restored in 1826. (Photo: thesunkissertraveler 3)

The relic complex was built in 1826 under the rule of the Nguyen dynasty’s Emperor Minh Mang (1791-1841), who ordered the construction of multiple defensive structures on Hai Van Pass to protect the then-capital of imperial Vietnam in Hue. The structures included fortifications, store houses and cannon forts.

According to historical records, after building the complex, Emperor Minh Mang inscribed its name in Vietnamese - “Hai Van Quan” (Hai Van Gate) - on one side of the gate facing Hue Imperial Citadel, and the words “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” (the world’s most marvelous wonder) on the other side facing Da Nang.

The top of the mountain still has an octagonal bunker, built by the French in 1826. (Photo: thanhlong105)

The gate had been left in serious disrepair as neither administrations of Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue took responsibility for its maintenance.

The Gate has grown to become a popular attraction among tourists as it offers stunning views of the surrounding water bodies and landscape./.

Compiled by VNF