Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Throne Hall (1886-1919)

Cambodia's Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom I (ruled 1860-1904) in 1886, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Most buildings were completed before World War I, with involvement by French administrators and Thai designers and architects. French influence can be seen in the formal gardens which enhance the palace, and there are some European-style buildings on the grounds.

The building shown in this photo is the Throne Hall, which was originally built in wood. The present structure dates from 1919. Imitating the face towers at Angkor, four faces overlook the complex from the main spire high above the roof (closeup), whose eaves are braced by flying celestials. The staircases, that lead up to the building's high wrap-around porch, are decorated by naga balustrades.

Moonlight Pavilion  (1914)

This open-air pavilion was originally built as a dance conservatory. It is now used as a venue for banquets and other state functions.

Silver Pagoda (1902)

The official name of this temple, Wat Preah Keo Morokat, translates to "Temple of the Emerald Buddha." This refers to a statue inside, but it is not the same as the famous Emerald Buddha in Thailand.

The Cambodian temple is popularly known as the "Silver Pagoda" bacause of the thousands of silver tiles which cover the floor of its interior. The temple complex contains several buildings; its main hall is shown here. The Tripitaka Library next door holds an important early sculpture of Nandi ("Preah Ko," Shiva's Sacred Bull). The complex is surrounded by a gallery that is painted with scenes from the Ramayana.

"Morokat" and "Morakot" (both meaning "emerald") are alternate spellings; look up both if you are doing web searches.

Ramayana Scene (1903-1904)

The galleries surrounding Wat Preah Keo Morokat (previous page) are painted with scenes from the Ramayana. This one shows Rama and his brother Lakshmana (under royal umbrellas) crossing over to Lanka, with their monkey army, on the back of a giant (compare the Thai Version of this scene in the Royal Palace, Bangkok).

The paintings were partially restored in recent times, but that project ran out of money before all the damage, like the scratches seen here, could be repaired.

Stupa of King Norodom I (1908)

King Norodom I of Cambodia lived from 1834-1904 and ruled from 1860-1904. He is revered in Cambodia, and admired abroad, for the exemplary diplomacy that saved his country, against overwhelming odds, from being swallowed up at that time by Vietnam and Thailand.