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Location: Ho Quyen is located on the south
bank of the Perfume River and 4km from the Hue Citadel.
Characteristic: Ho Quyen was built in 1830. It is a unique construction,
open air and solidly built as a citadel. The coliseum consists of two concentric
circles built with bricks and mortar.
Ho Quyen was the arena where duels between elephants and tigers were arranged
for the entertainment of the Emperor, the royal family and mandarins. In the old
time, the duels Ho Quyen were held once a year. The last one was organized here
in 1904 in the reign of Thanh Thai.
The first staircase with 20 steps was exclusively reserved for the Emperor and
royal family leading up to the rectangular tribune with the surface of 96m², the
height of 1.5m. Looking down from the tribune, people can see the cavity with
the coliseum. The second staircase, with 15 steps was used by the soldiers and
the common people leading up to the earthen part. Between the two staircases is
a big entrance 1.9m wide and 3.9m high for the elephants to enter the coliseum.
The way running around above this curved door is narrowed into a small bridge
across the curved door. Under it is a big two-wing wooden door with stone hinges
which still remain undamaged. Opposite to the tribune for the Emperor on the
other side of the arena are five cages for tigers and leopards. Above the middle
cage is a stone sign inscribed the two Chinese words "Ho Quyen". Ho Quyen is a
unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia. Though it is not as
huge as the arenas of the Emperor Romance but it still bears an outstanding
figure and creates a martial and imposing atmosphere
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