They call it the Grand Palace, the name I think is totally justified. Covering 218,000 square metres surrounded by 4 walls and completed around 1782. It was built for King Rama I’s ascension to the throne. Before this the royal palace and centre of administration was located in Thonburi. For many reasons the King decided this old location was not appropriate anymore to set up the new capital the City of Angels: Bangkok.
Colour catches the eye in every direction
The most outstanding building has to be the Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha though. Although no pictures were allowed inside, it is just as majestic as the outside, surrounded by golden pillars and guardian statues. Featuring inside The Emerald Buddha which is carved out of a giant block of jade and was discovered in 1434 in a stupa in Chiang Rai. It was originally thought to be an ordinary Buddha image but later the abbot noticed the plaster flaking off the nose revealing the green stone underneath initially thought to be emerald, hence the name.
One of many colourful painted statues within the palace grounds
Gold colour on this reliquary was fully made from small tiles
Several hours and more than 150 photos later I just about managed to take in the magnitude of the place. Gold paint adheres to almost every surface, the words flash or bling is an underestimation. It’s like being miniaturised and walking through a rappers jewellery box. The reliquary to the left in the shape of a golden chedi is made up of gold covered tiles on the exterior.
It is only one ‘small’ building in the Grand Palace grounds, but its colour certainly makes it an attention seeking one. Below I pose alongside the statues holding up another monument (of which there is 4 in this terrance).
Come here and you too can do this pose!
Detailed paintings line the inside palace walls as well. These alone could fascinate and require study all day if one desired to do so. Some of it was being touched up too, so I doubt it is original, which is a shame on one way, but in the other, we get to see it as originally intended. Some of the images of the people and monkeys/missing links are strange indeed and most of it seems to be either at battle or finding peace like Buddha did.
Painting on Grand Palace inner walls
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I so envy you your trip! It all looks so wonderful!
A beautiful palace with some truely unique looking architecture! Great update, keep them coming man.
It certainly was a great place, free to get in if you are Thai, but farangs have to pay.