(VOVworld) – The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel Hanoi has received the 2013 Honorable Mention Award for its Lost Bomb Shelter from the UNESCO representative for the Asia-Pacific region. Individuals involved in this preservation project were given certificates of merit.

Professor Tim Cutis of UNESCO presents the Honorable Mention Award to Clive Scott, Director General of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel Hanoi(Photo: VOV)

UNESCO praised efforts in preserving and restoring the shelter, which was forgotten for decades until its rediscovery in 2011 inside the hotel. The bomb shelter has been restored to its original condition with the addition of new mechanical and electrical installations to make it accessible and safe for public viewing. The shelter has turned out to be a popular tourist destination, enriching the cultural and historical value of the 100-year-old hotel. 

The main entrance to the Lost Bomb Shelter (Photo: VOV)

Duong Lam ancient village with its ancient laterite old houses was honored with the title ‘Award of Merit’.

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation were initiated in 2000 to reward the efforts of individuals and organizations in heritage restoration and preservation. 3 other Vietnam honorees include the Hoi An Preservation Project, which won the Excellence title in 2000, the Preservation Project of Ancient Viet Houses which received an Award of Merit in 2004, and the Tang Family Chapel in the ancient town of Hoi An which received an Honorable Mention in 2009.