Cambodia's Royal Palace
Cambodia's Royal Palace was built in 1866 under French protectorate and King Norodom to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, King's family and foreign dignitaries, and as a symbol of Cambodia. It is also in use as a place for religious and royal ceremonies (such as coronations and royal weddings) as well as a meeting place for guests of the King. The Royal Palace compound consist of several building, structures and gardens. Except teh area of the actual Royal residence, the Khemarin Palace, most of Palace grounds and silver Pagoda are open to the public every day, 7:30 - 11:00 and 2:00 - 5:00, with admission: $3.00/person, $2/camera, $5/video camera.
Throne Hall:
Throne Hall The Throne Hall, the Preah Timeang Tevea Vinicchay “Sacred Seat of Judgment”, originally built in wood under King Norodom in 1869-1870,the present building constructed in 1917.
Wat Preah Keo Morokat:
Wat Preah Keo Morokat: known as the "Silver Pagoda" the "Temple of the Emerald Buddha" and known as the 'Silver Pagoda' for the 5329 silver tiles that cover the floor. Each tile was handcrafted and weighs 1.125kg. The vihear serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural and religious treasures, containing over 1650 precious objects. The primary Buddha, sitting on a gilded dais above all others in the temple, is the Emerald Buddha, reported by different sources to be made of emerald or baccarat crystal. In front of the Emerald Buddha stands Buddha Maitreya (Buddha of the Future,) a 90 kg golden standing Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds including a 25 caret diamond in the crown and a 20 caret diamond embedded in the chest. Other objects include a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka in a small gold and silver stupa, a collection of gifts from Queen Kossomak Nearyrith, and contributions and gifts from other nobles and Royals. The original pagoda, built in 1866 by King Norodom, was, for the most part, made of wood. In 1962, it was expanded by Sihanouk.
Chanchhaya Pavilion:
The current Pavilion, also known as the 'Moonlight Pavilion', is the second incarnation of the Chanchhaya Pavilion, constructed in 1913-14 under King Sisowath to replace the earlier wooden pavilion built under King Norodom.
Napoleon III Pavilion:
It was originally built for Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III, in 1869 for use in the inauguration of the Suez Canal. It is constructed entirely of iron. In 1876 Emperor Napoleon III made a gift of the building to King Norodom of Cambodia.
Hor Samran Phirun:
Also know as the "Bronze Palace", Constructed in 1917. Currently housing a display of gifts from foreign heads of state.
Damnak Chan:
Original constructed in 1953 for the High Council of the Throne, as the Ministry of Culture in the 80s, housing the Supreme National Council of Cambodia from 1991-93, currently houses the administrative offices of the Royal Palace, Closed to the public.
Ramayana Frescoes:
The interior of the pagoda compound walls is covered with murals depicting stories from the Reamker, i.e. the Khmer version of the classic Indian epic, the Ramayana. Some sections of the murals are deteriorated and weather damaged. The murals were painted in 1903-1904 by a team of students working under the direction of artist Vichitre Chea and architect Oknha Tep Nimit Thneak. In the 30s the galleries served as ad hoc classrooms for Buddhist monks.
Statue of HM King Norodom:
Equestrian statue of the King Norodom (1834-1904). Completed by French artist Eude in 1875 in Paris and placed on the pagoda grounds in 1892. The canopy was added by King Sihanouk in 1953 to honor King Norodom in light of Cambodia's new independence. The stupa north of the statue contains the ashes of King Norodom.
