Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
อยุธยา อำเภอพระนครศรีอยุธยา จังหวัดพระนครศรีอยุธยา ประเทศไทย
                    
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Ancient Temples of Ayutthaya
วัดเก่าแก่ของอยุธยา
Jian Zhe Li
อยุธยา

Modern Temples of Ayutthaya
วัดที่ทันสมัยของอยุธยา
 
 
         
 
Ayutthaya, อยุธยา, the ancient capital of Thailand, was established in 1350 A.D. by King Ramathibodi I.  The first Wat (temple) was built by King Borommatrailokanat in 1448 A.D. to serve as a monastic area.  This was Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and was adjacent to the Royal Palace.  Over succeeding centuries, many temples were constructed until Ayutthaya was sacked by invading Burmese in 1767 A.D.  The invaders removed the gold that had covered many Buddha images as well as other decorations in the temples.  Most of the temples, as seen today, are in a state of ruin as they were neglected after the sacking of Ayutthaya.  The temples have now been stabilized and Ayutthaya serves as a historical monument for the Thai people.  (Histories adapted from documents of the Thailand Department of Fine Arts.)

Wikimapia location


Scenic Photography by Gerry Gantt from Thailand, the land of Golden Wats.
All images Copyright © 1999 - by Gerry Gantt, all rights reserved.