Introduction
History
- ๐๏ธ Commissioned by Suryavarman II: Built in the early 12th century
- ๐๏ธ Originally a Hindu Temple: Dedicated to the deity Vishnu
- ๐๏ธ Transition to Buddhism: Converted to a Buddhist temple in the late 12th century
- โ๏ธ Sacked by Chams: Angkor was attacked in 1177
- ๐ Restoration by Jayavarman VII: Re-established the Khmer Empire and converted Angkor Wat to a Buddhist site
- ๐ European Rediscovery: First visited by Portuguese friar Antรณnio da Madalena in 1586
- ๐ Popularized by Henri Mouhot: French naturalist's travel notes in the 1860s brought attention to Angkor Wat
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Architecture
- ๐๏ธ Temple-Mountain Design: Represents Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology
- ๐ Quincunx of Towers: Central structure with five towers
- ๐ Surrounded by a Moat: More than 5 km (3.1 mi) long
- ๐งฑ Three Rectangular Galleries: Each raised above the next
- ๐งญ West Orientation: Unique among Angkorian temples, possibly for funerary purposes
- ๐ผ๏ธ Extensive Bas-Reliefs: Depicting Hindu epics and Buddhist motifs
- ๐ฟ Devatas and Apsaras: Adorning the walls with intricate carvings
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Cultural Significance
- ๐ UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1992
- ๐ฐ๐ญ Symbol of Cambodia: Depicted on the Cambodian national flag
- ๐ Largest Religious Structure: Recognized by Guinness World Records
- ๐๏ธ Hindu-Buddhist Transition: Reflects the religious history of the region
- ๐ Historical Inscriptions: Found in multiple languages including Khmer, Burmese, and Japanese
- ๐ผ๏ธ Artistic Legacy: Renowned for its architectural grandeur and harmony
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Tourism
- ๐ฅ Major Tourist Attraction: Attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather
- ๐๏ธ Entrance Fees: Approximately $37 for a one-day pass
- ๐ธ Popular Activities: Sunrise and sunset photography, guided tours
- ๐ถโโ๏ธ Accessibility: Located near Siem Reap, accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi, or bicycle
- ๐๏ธ Nearby Amenities: Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops in Siem Reap
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Restoration
- ๐ ๏ธ 20th Century Efforts: Clearing plant overgrowth and restoring the temple complex
- ๐ International Involvement: Various countries including France, India, Japan, and China
- ๐ก๏ธ APSARA Authority: Established in 1995 to protect and manage the area
- ๐ฌ Conservation Projects: German Apsara Conservation Project to protect bas-reliefs
- ๐งช Microbial Biofilms: Found degrading sandstone, ongoing research to mitigate
- ๐๏ธ Structural Repairs: Ongoing efforts to prevent further collapse and restore lost sculptures
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| Travel Information |
|---|
| ๐ย ย ย Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia |
๐ย ย ย Profiles:   |
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