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The Grand Palace

Photo by: danorbit

What is it

It is a complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the king of Thailand for 150 years

Where is it

Bangkok, Thailand

Did you know?

The palace encloses an area of 218 400 square metres (more facts)

A little more on the Grand palace

The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, lit. The Lord’s Supreme, Great, Royal Palace) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok,Thailand. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time. The present King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however, resides at the Chitralada Palace.

The tower of gold began construction on 6 May 1782. At first the palace consisted of several wooden buildings surrounded on four sides with a high defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Soon the King ordered the building of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; as the Monarch’s personal place of worship and royal temple. Once the palace was complete the King decided to undergo a coronation ceremony to celebrate in 1785.

The plan of the Grand Palace followed closely that of the old palace in Ayutthaya. The Palace is rectangular shaped, with the western side next to a river and the royal temple situated to the east side, with all structures facing north. The palace itself is divided into three quarters: the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters.

Source: Wikipedia