Description of the attraction
In 1350, on the island at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers, Ramathibodi I founded the capital of the state - the city of Ayutthaya. Trade and handicraft flourished in the 15th-16th centuries, and at the beginning of the 18th century, after several years of war, Ayutthaya fell into decay and the capital of Siam was transferred first to Thonburi, and then to Bangkok. In 1991, the historic center of Ayutthaya was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The city, oval in plan, was once surrounded by a 12-kilometer city wall, partly preserved to this day. In the center of the island there is a historical park and the ruins of an ancient royal palace. In the northern part there is an almost untouched palace of the crown prince, where a museum is now located, the exposition of which contains a collection of Buddha statues and material evidence of the Ayutthaya era.
The most important temple of Ayutthaya - Wat Phra Sisanphet (mid-15th century) is famous for three chedi stupas, erected in honor of the first three kings of Siam. One of them contains the ashes of King Trailock. Previously, there was a huge statue of the golden Buddha, but in the 18th century the Burmese destroyed the statues, and the temple was almost completely burned down.
Wat Phra Mahathat was founded at the end of the 14th century. During excavations, many ritual objects made of gold were found in it. Wat Ratchaburana (15th century) with a restored prang is located across the road from it. Descending a steep staircase into the crypt, one can see the fragrant paintings of the walls of the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Phra Ram is famous for its prang (15th century), which looks like an ear of corn. It is decorated with decorative figurines of mythical creatures and statues of a walking Buddha. On the territory of the Vata Lokayasuttharam complex there is a huge 42-meter statue of the reclining Buddha. Since the vihan was destroyed, the statue has stood in the open air.
Reviews
| All reviews 5 Alexey 16.02.2012 14:47:58
Cool there) Interesting place. There are also shops nearby - they sell a bunch of small things, handmade slippers for 150 baht have been serving us for the second season already)
