The Cambodian Royal Palace (Preah Barom Reacheaveang Chaktomuk Sereay Mongkol) located in Phnom Penh, is a palace complex consisting of the royal palace and religious sites. The palace is of "newer vintage", being built between 1866 and 1870 by King Norodom.
The palace itself was rebuilt in 1912 and in 1932. It has been occupied since the 1860's by the royal family of Cambodia with the exception of the time when Cambodia was overcome by civil war and the Khmer Rouge.
Interestingly, security to enter the grounds was surprisingly light compared to what one might expect entering a similar complex in other parts of the world.
A picture of the current king, King Norodom Sihamoni. The king is a popular figure in Cambodia, and we saw many pictures or representations of him.
Entering through the gate, one comes into the outer gardens.
A picture of the Throne Hall (we will go closer tomorrow):
The buildings are beautiful. But it seems odd that the grounds and gardens are sparsely landscaped, at least in their current state.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I do not know if that is due to some historical reason or just that there were gardens and the civil war destroyed them beyond recovery.
DeleteI know I'm not cut out to be a ruler or leader of a country. Living in a house where people were constantly walking through the grounds and buildings would grate on my nerves to no end!
ReplyDeleteIt would seem very odd Ed.
DeleteI will say the actually living quarters of the Royal family is not in this outer area. And certainly pre-modern era, likely there would be a lot less people walking through.
Interesting how over time royalty was established in so many places around the globe TB. Nice to see so much greenery.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting, Nylon12.
DeleteCambodia was very green, which was pleasant. Along with that came the hot and humid, somewhat less pleasant.