It’s pretty hard to believe that one of the world’s most impressive pieces of architecture was constructed in the 12th century. Perhaps even harder to believe is that it remains standing in all its glory. Angkor Wat, which translates to ‘temple city’, spans an incredible 200ha and is famous for its sandstone construction, hidden paintings, carvings and colourful history.
Visitors to the site must traverse a sandstone causeway that crosses a 200m wide moat which spans 5.5km around the perimeter of the temple at a depth of 4 metres. Imagine the poor buggers who had to dig all that dirt out.
The distance from the ground to the top of the central tower is 213m which is achieved with three rectangular levels that progressively get smaller and higher than the one below.
Construction of the masterpiece took place during the reign of King Suryavarman II as a dedication to Vishnu (the popular Hindu deity). While the true purpose of the temple is still debated today, one thing cannot be argued and that’s the sheer beauty this place possesses.
The central tower symbolises the mythical Mount Meru, which is considered to be at the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru, the outer wall is said to represent the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat depicts the oceans beyond.
