A little more on Borobudur

Bororobudur is a Buddhist stepped pyramid created around 750 AD during the Sailendrea dynasty. The Hindu inspired monument is made up of three sections: The base, the rectangular terraces, and 3 circular terraces. Each level represents the path of enlightenment. Nirvana is symbolised by a large stupa at the very top of Borobudur, measuring 9.9 meters in diameter.

Borobudur was abandoned around 1100 AD when the country’s power shifted from central Java. Rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the site was in need of some serious repair. Covered in jungle overgrowth and layers of ash from multiple volcanic eruptions, the discovery triggered a restoration attempt. Unfortunately the restoration was unsuccessful, and in 1973 the Indonesian government with support from UNESCO began the 9 year task of rebuilding the entire monument.