Capital on the mighty Mekong......
Th
e Mekong is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing through many countries. Within Cambodia, the Mekong meanders for 494 kilometres. Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is a vibrant, bustling city nestled majestically on the banks where three mighty rivers, the Mekong, the Tonle Sap River and the Bassac converge and then split apart again.
In Phnom Penh, you can find many build']ngs and temples of traditional Cambodian style in city area. The French added a distinctive stamp to the city while overseeing the construction of several buildings in the classical Khmer style and several dozen grand residences for the French administrations, many of which are stiil standing.
Much of the work was the creative output of Cambodian architect Van Molyvann. The Independence Monument stands as the identity of Phnom Penh >>>
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Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the palace offically opened on 14th February 1870. It is painted with the traditional royal yellow colour. In the palace, there are numerous buiildings including a throne room and open air theater.
The main palace compound is closed to the public except on special occasion such as the King's birthday when Khmers flock to honour their monarch.
SILVER PAGODA
The oldest part of the palace is the fresco-covered walls of the palace compound which is open to the public. It depicts episodes from the Khmer version of Ramayana, the Reamker.
Housed in the compound of the Royal Palace, Wat Preah Kaeo Morakot, or the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, is known more commonly as the Silver Pagoda because of its floor. Comprising 5000 silver tiles, each weighing 1.1kilograms, the temple's floor is a priceless work of religious art.
The centre of the pagoda houses a 17th century small emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal. In front is a solid gold Buddha, weighing 90kilograms and encrusted with 9584 diamonds. The figure was made in 1906 to the exact proportions of King Norodom. It is made from his melted down jewelry. On either side are numerous small Buddhas, one of which is covered with 1000 diamonds.
Two dozen cabinets along the perimeter are filled with gifts to King Norodom and successive kings from other royalty and dignitaries.
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Many of the Kingdom's most important and awe-inspiring works of art from the pre-Angkor and Angkor era are housed in the National Museum - an attractive, rust-coloured building with a wooden rooof frame, just north of the Royal Palace, which represents Khmer architecture at its finest.
Housing over 5000 works of art, the museum's collection is divided into archeological and ethnographic masterpieces, ranging from 6th to 13th century sculpture, ceramics, Royal barges and palanquiins, as well as dance costumes from the 19th century.
