Cambodia is home to an unparalleled wonder: Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world. This magnificent sanctuary located in the province of Siem Riep, a World Heritage Site.
A Glimpse into the History of Angkor Wat
We will discover why Angkor Wat is an architectural and cultural jewel of unparalleled importance. Angkor Wat is located 5.5 km north of the city of Siem Riep, in the homonymous province of Cambodia.
It is an integral part of the complex of temples known as the “Temples of Angkor,” which covers an area of approximately 200 km², although some research suggests that its area could reach 3000 km².
During its heyday between the 9th and 15th centuries, the ancient city of Angkor served as the capital of the Khmer Empire and was home to a population of up to half a million.
Angkor Wat, The Iconic Monument of Cambodia
Angkor Wat is recognized as the largest temple ever built by humans and is a monument of great significance in the Cambodian nation. In fact, the silhouettes of its towers adorn the country’s flag.
This temple is a testimony to the power of the Khmer Empire, which dominated Southeast Asia in the Middle Ages. Angkor, and specifically Angkor Wat, served as the political and religious epicenter of the empire.
From an archaeological perspective, Angkor Wat is an invaluable treasure that allows you to delve into the depths of this culture.
The Architecture of Angkor Wat
Originally consecrated to the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat combines Hindu architectural elements and later gallery features. The temple is made up of three concentric rectangular enclosures of increasing heights, surrounded by a perimeter lake 3.6 km long and 200 m wide.
In the inner precinct, five lotus-shaped towers rise majestically, with the central tower reaching 42 m above the sanctuary and 65 m above ground level.
Over the centuries, Angkor Wat transformed from a Hindu shrine to a center of Buddhist worship. This change is manifested in the impressive stupas that capture the attention of visitors and reflect the fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism in the stones of the temple.
The Entrance to the Wonder: The Naga Bridge
To access Angkor Wat, visitors must cross the Naga Bridge, which spans the surrounding lake. The balustrade of the bridge is adorned with motifs of creatures from Hindu mythology and is a wonder in itself.
The Hidden Treasures of the Interior
Inside the temple, you will find several buildings that reveal the importance of Angkor Wat in the history of the Khmer Empire. The libraries flank the entrance to the Bakan, indicating that the temple was not only a place of worship, but also an important political center.
At the heart of the complex is the Bakan, divided into three different levels. To reach it, it is necessary to ascend a series of stairs that symbolically represent the climb to the mountain of the gods in the Hindu religion.
Here, you will enjoy impressive bas-reliefs and decorations carved on the walls of this sanctum sanctorum.
A Booming Tourist Destination
Angkor Wat and the Angkor region have become a major tourist destination after the political stabilization of Cambodia. The complex received 2.5 million tourists in 2017.
To preserve this treasure of humanity, measures have been implemented such as alternative routes and artificial lighting of the temple to allow night visits.
Contribution to Heritage
Although tourism provides funds for conservation and restoration, most maintenance work is financed with foreign support.
Experience the Magic of Angkor Wat
As you stroll through the galleries and friezes of Angkor Wat, sunlight filtering through the columns will create a magical atmosphere, illuminating the impressive bas-reliefs that tell epic stories of Hinduism. The peace and quiet of the place will transport you to a different world, full of charm.
The ancient stones of Angkor Wat are a treasure that should not be missed when visiting Cambodia. This complex was once the jewel of the region, the epicenter of the Khmer Empire, and today it is a world-renowned tourist attraction.
The architecture and height of the temple are designed to draw the eye towards the sky and read the stories carved in stone that narrate the epics of gods, heroes and ancestors.
In the vicinity of the complex, housing, workshops and markets were developed, and a road network was created. The construction was based on laterite, a rock that supported the emerging temple before being faced with sandstone.
The exact construction time is uncertain and, according to some interpretations, the temple was never fully completed.
Angkor Wat is a place that invites reflection and admiration, an architectural marvel that has withstood the passage of centuries and remains a cultural beacon today.
