It's one of the most spectacular religious sites on the planet. A place that contains many mysteries and legends. Let's get to know more about Angkor Wat.
Cambodia has become an exotic destination for more experienced travelers. A country that is emerging and attracting the eyes of more and more visitors, eager to discover places as beautiful as their temples. From the best known, I will talk. I want to tell you some things that maybe you didn't know about Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
A bit of history about Angkor Wat
This temple began to be built in the 12th century to be used as the religious and political center of the Khmer Empire, which dominated that territory at that time. More than that, the religious site housed the royal palace and it's estimated that up to 20,000 people could live there.Its structure is common among Hindu temples, however, there is no one as spectacular as this one. This way of building is called temple-mount since they were built imitating Mount Meru in a sacred mountain which it was believed that the gods of this religion lived. Nevertheless, this temple was dedicated to only one: Vishnu.
Regarding its shape, the temple has three concentric rectangular enclosures. They are surrounded by a perimeter lake and inside there are five towers, the central one with a height of 65 meters.
"In view of these temples, the spirit feels overwhelmed, imagination overflowed; we look, admire and, captives of respect, we remain silent; impossible to find the words to describe an architectural work that may not have, that perhaps didn't have, anything equivalent on earth. "
-Henri Mouhot, discoverer of the Angkor temples in 1861-
Things you didn't know about Angkor Wat in Cambodia
A construction as colossal as that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia hides many secrets that are available to only a few privileged people. Today I want to reveal them to you.1. It's the largest religious site in the world
Yes, it isn't only the most impressive Hindu temple, but there is also no larger religious site than this one. Next, to the main building, there are other temples around, giving shape to the largest religious structure built by man before the 20th century. It is no wonder that Cambodians are proud of him.2. It's inhabited by monks
Over the centuries, many of Cambodia's temples were abandoned and were 'eaten' by nature. However, it's still inhabited by monks, who have taken care of it and not allow nature to enter. An impressive conservation work.3. It's the most representative of Khmer architecture
Although all Hindu temples follow a pattern, Angkor Wat is special. It's the one that appreciates the best architecture of his time. A time when the temples weren't conceived as a meeting place, but as the dwelling place of the gods, hence their particular structure.And also, in Angkor Wat, you can see a fabulous set of bas-reliefs. Many of them represent scenes related to the life of gods such as Vishnu or Krishna.
4. It has one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world
Seeing the sunrise from this splendid temple will be one of the greatest shows you can ever see. Of course, keep in mind that despite what it costs to get up early, you will not be the only one willing to do it. However, even if there are many more people, the moment will be worth it.5. It's a World Heritage Site
As part of the temples, Angkor Wat is part of the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO since 1992. And not only that, but there is a whole project to protect and safeguard this beautiful and symbolic place.6. You can see it in a balloon
Few ways are more spectacular to admire all the grandeur and beauty of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, then do it from the air. To contemplate the temple raised in a balloon is one of those experiences that are never forgotten. In this way, the price is very affordable, at around 20 dollars. A unique opportunity!There aren't many details that are known about the construction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but when you visit it, you are sure to be completely amazed by its beauty.
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