Sinhapura Tra Kieu (the Lion Citadel) was once the capital city and the political center of Champa, serving in that capacity from the 4th to the 11th centuries.
According to the bibliography, Tra Kieu earlier was surrounded by a fairly grandiose system of citadel and rampart, defence works, fortress and temples in oriental military style. Tragically, through many centuries, so far what remains now is foundation of broken walls. Based on the discovered foundation, it is estimated that the imperial city‘s circumference was about 4 km. In the front of the imperial city, there were many beautiful sculptures architecture which majestically located on the low hills. Siva saint and Visnu, who were considered as the Guardian angels of Champa dynasty at that time, were worshiped in all the temples in Tra Kieu imperial city. Prominently standing out from the architectures and sculptures in Tra Kieu are lively stony lion and elephant statues. Now, some of these are displayed at Danang Cham museum and Tra Kieu Church.