Formerly known as Simhapura (Lion Citadel), Trà Kiệu was the first capital of Champa, serving in that capacity from the 4th to the 9th centuries with nearby Mỹ Sơn as its spiritual and intellectual centre. At its height the citadel is believed to have comprised a large central tower located at the summit of Núi Trà Kiệu, flanked by four other towers and various ancillary structures. The complex was surrounded by a five metre-high perimeter wall, and outside that by a moat. Unfortunately all of the Chăm structures at the site have long since dissappeared, with the exception of rectangular ramparts and stone bannisters on Trà Kiệu hill and traces of the citadel wall and various palace buildings in the nearby rice fields. During the late 19th century the French constructed a Roman Catholic church at the summit of Trà Kiệu hill; this was replaced by a new church building in the 1960s. A large number of important artefacts have been discovered at the site, including several fine carvings currently on display at the Chăm Sculpture Museum (Bảo tàng Nghệ thuật Điêu khắc Chăm) in Đà Nẵng. Other remains may be seen on request in the church shop.

Related links: Champa