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His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), a lover of the western architecture, ordered to build this temple, in a mix between western (most Italian style) and Thai architectures. It took about 20 years to complete the temple, with its columns and beams made by high quality marbles delivered from Italy. There is also a Christian church sitting on the grounds of Wat Ratchabophit.
The golden chedi built in Sri Lankan style, is 43m high is covered with orange-coloured tiles and on top of the chedi and a golden ball. The ordinal hall has 10 door panels and 28 window panels each decorated with gilded black lacquer. The complex hosts many chedis, Khmer face towers and ornamental exotic trees. The wiharn and ubosot shrine are joined by a circular courtyard, inside the shrine hall, imposing golden decoration and a big Buddha image in the center. The golden viharn is spectacular, as well as the Scripture Hall and rest of buildings of the complex.
A vigilant watchman stands up at the front entrance, a royal soldier figure keep watch over the entrance.
Wat Ratchabophit is also known for the Royal Cemetery located within its premises, on the west end of the temple grounds. The Royal Cemetery hosts a number of monuments to members of the Royal Family, most the immediate family of King Chulalongkorn, and also 34 royal tombs. The Rangsi Vadhana Memorial, contains the ashes of Mahidol Adulyadej, Srinagarindra and Galyani Vadhana. Another of the magnificent places inside the compound is The Mausoleum of Savang Vadhana.
– Opening hours: 8am to 5pm.
– Phone: +66 2 222 3930
Photos courtesy of Photo Dharma / flickr, มัทนา, ScorpianPK and Heinrich Damm.
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