Description of the attraction
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a whole architectural complex. Cambodian monarchs have occupied it since its construction in the 1860s, not counting the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The palace was built for King Norodom, who moved to the new capital from Udong in the mid-19th century. The building was erected on the site of the old fortress Banteay Kav, in the Khmer architectural style with French elements. From the east and west, from the windows of the complex, the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers are visible.
With classic red roofs and ornate gilding, the royal palace dominates Phnom Penh. Nowadays, it is the official residence of the King of Sihamoni, and most of the premises are closed to the public.
Visitors are only allowed to enter the Throne Room and the group of buildings surrounding it.
The main attraction of the complex, the coronation hall, is used as a place for religious and secular ceremonies and meeting the guests of the king. The current building was built in 1917, replacing the wooden one destroyed in 1915. The structure, which is cruciform in plan, is completed by three spiers. The central 59-meter spire is surmounted by the four white heads of Brahma. Inside the Throne Room are three royal thrones, one in the Western style and two in the traditional, and golden busts of the kings and queens who ruled Cambodia earlier. To the north of the throne, there is a golden sculpture depicting the monarch Sisowat Monivong with a sword in his hands, and as to the south of the throne, the statue of the king is made in the form of a figure sitting in full dress attire.
The traditional thrones are covered with intricate floral carvings.
In addition to the Throne Hall, the Lunar Pavilion (which hosts banquets and performances for the ruling family), the Silver Pagoda - a repository of treasures and a crystal Buddha, Chedi (stupa) of the king, queen, princess, Khemarin Palace, dance pavilions, guest houses and other buildings.
