Angkor Wat is a large temple complex in Cambodia, known for its Khmer architecture and ornate carvings. It was built in the 12th century as a Vishnu temple and later became a Buddhist temple. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts around half a million tourists every year.
Angkor Wat is a temple located in northern Cambodia. It is the largest religious structure in the world, located on a complex of 203 acres (820,000 square meters), most of which has been taken up by jungle. It is a distinctive and very famous temple, which also appears on the national flag of Cambodia. The temple is regarded as a stunning example of Khmer architecture, covered in ornate and beautiful carvings demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship.
This site is located in Siem Reap province, and slightly north of the city of the same name. The temple complex is located on a rectangular island accessed by a causeway and is oriented in an unusual western direction. Angkor Wat is built of sandstone and covered with numerous sandstone carvings. Also, the decorative carvings inside proceed in reverse of their intended order.
Angkor Wat has a number of distinct towers that loom over the temple complex. Five central towers, intended to represent the abode of the gods, are surrounded by a wall and more towers. These walls weave a labyrinth of stones and stairways, providing days of exploration for interested visitors. Parts of the complex have been allowed back into the jungle and towering trees and plants can be seen slowly eating away at the buildings.
The complex was initially built as a Vishnu temple in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Due to the rearward orientation of the temple and the carvings, some archaeologists have suggested that it must have been his mortuary temple. In addition to the temple, the complex also included the royal palace and a city. Around the 14th century, Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple. Although parts of the complex have fallen into disuse, other sections are home to an active Buddhist temple.
The word “wat” in Khmer, the language of Cambodia, means school or place of learning. Many temples have the title “wat” affixed because the educational texts are kept in the temple and the monks study there. Visiting monks travel to Angkor Wat along with around half a million tourists every year. In 2002, the site became a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. UNESCO has encouraged the government of Cambodia to take steps to preserve the temple and has provided funding and experts to assist in conservation.
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