Royal Palace, Phom Penh, Cambodia
Saturday, October 20 2007 @ 10:34 PM | Contributed by: Oliver | Views: 702
 | The royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is held completely in white and yellow to symbolize the two national religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. It features several buildings, spread over one public and one private section which includes the Kings living quarters. The buidlings are richly ornamented, but many parts are deteriorating since the renovations cost more money than the palaces can afford. The steep rise in tourism is bringing hope to the kingdom. On this first picture you can see the Chan Chhaya Pavilion where Cambodian Dance performances for festive occasions are shown. The building is easily visible from the outside. |
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| Here you can see a map of the whole palace. The larges center in he public area is the throne hall, directly oposite the main gate through which only high guests are received. The red carpet to be used then is lying rolled up in the throne hall... | ||
 | The second central building is the Silver Pagoda which is hosting many Buddha statues and even an (empty) relic container of Buddha himself. Also, there is an about 50cm high 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha called Emerald Buddha larger Buddha ornamented with more than 9,500 diamonds. Many other national treasures and gifts to the King can be found there. Unfortunately, photography in the main buildings is forbidden. The title of the building comes from the floor that is made out of heavy solid silver tiles. | |
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| There are several smaller side-buildings between the main two for various functions during ceremonies and daily functions, one of them a french-style house which is a gift from Napoleon III. | ||
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| The ornametns around the palace seem to be in a generally good condition. A fresco in a long wall surrounding the Silver pagoda is falling apart however. The details in the ornaments are many and similar to those found in temples, for example the "Naga" snake with seven heads on the staircase rising to the throne hall. | ||
Please see also these articles about Angkor Temples:
Angkor Wat | Sunrise at Angkor Wat | Reliefs of Angkor Wat
Banteay Srei Temple | Preah Palilay Temple | Bayon Temple | Ta Phrom Temple
These are more articles from Cambodia:
Khmer Dance | Floating Village | Royal Palace | On the road | Hotel de la Paix
Angkor Wat | Sunrise at Angkor Wat | Reliefs of Angkor Wat
Banteay Srei Temple | Preah Palilay Temple | Bayon Temple | Ta Phrom Temple
These are more articles from Cambodia:
Khmer Dance | Floating Village | Royal Palace | On the road | Hotel de la Paix
