What is it
Hindu-turned Buddist temple
Where is it
5.5km north of Siem Reap, Cambodia
Did you know?
The temple is featured on the Cambodian flag? (more facts)
A little more on Angkor Wat
Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat, was designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the Devas in Hindu mythology. The temple has three tiers and five towers, each in the shape of a lotus flower. The exterior of the first level is covered with bas-reliefs that are some of the longest in the world. Following the building counter-clockwise, they illustrate scenes from the legends of Vishnu and Krishna. The complex covers almost a square mile, and is surrounded by a 180m wide moat, which was built to keep the water table constant, preventing the temple sinking into the mud.
Abandoned in the 14th century after Thai armies captured the city, the temple was gradually reclaimed by the jungle. During this time Buddhism became the dominant religion of Cambodia and the temples were changed to Buddhist. It was not until 1860 that it was discovered by the west, and the process of restoration began.
With its idyllic setting, massive size, and beautifully detailed workmanship, you can certainly see why it widely considered the 8th Wonder of the World.
