🛕 Angkor Wat
Cambodia
About This Sacred Site
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious monument ever constructed, spanning over 400 acres. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. Its architecture represents Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu cosmology. The temple's intricate bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Khmer history, and its sunrise silhouette is an iconic symbol of Cambodia.
Key Facts
- •Largest religious monument in the world at over 400 acres
- •Built by King Suryavarman II between 1113 and 1150 CE
- •Contains over 3,000 celestial dancers (Apsaras) carved in stone
- •The temple is oriented to the west, unusual for Hindu temples
- •Featured on the Cambodian national flag — the only building on any national flag
Location
Coordinates: 13.4125, 103.8670
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