Hanoi Opera House (Nhà hát Lớn)

Rising in front of you is the Hanoi Opera House, the Nhà hát Lớn or "great theatre". If it reminds you of Paris, that's no accident: it was inspired by the Palais Garnier.

1A theatre for the colony

Work began in June 1901 and finished in December 1911. The design was by the French architects Broyer and Victorin Harlay, and François Lagisquet completed it. It is smaller than its Parisian model and adapted to the climate, with galleries that give shelter from sun and rain. It was the great stage of social life in French Indochina.

219 August 1945

The square in front of you changed the country's history. That day a huge rally called by the Việt Minh gathered here and marched off to seize government buildings: it was the start of the August Revolution in Hanoi. A few weeks later, Hồ Chí Minh declared independence at Ba Đình.

Today it hosts opera, ballet and symphony concerts; check the programme if you'd like to see the interior.

3How to cross the roundabout

This is one of the busiest roundabouts in the city. Don't wait for it to empty, because it won't. Look for the nearest traffic light, or cross walking at a steady pace, without running or stepping back, and keep your eyes on the riders. They will adjust to your rhythm.

4What to look for

• The columns and balconies of the main façade.
• The two domes flanking the central block.
• August Revolution Square, in front of the entrance.