Angkor Wat Historical Facts and Pictures

Formerly dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world. This 12^thcentury religious monument is located in Cambodia, listed among the world wonders for its unrivaled beauty and magnificent structure. This presently Buddhist religious monument was formerly a Hindu temple.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Entrance

Angkor Wat Pictures

According to numerous myths and legends surrounding the construction of this temple, it was believed that the complex was constructed by the order of Lord Indra. Another legend suggests that, a divine architect built the temple in a single night.

Angkor Wat Gods Murti Temple

Aerial View of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Images

Architecture and style

This religious complex is an embodiment of convoluted structures of covered galleries, elevated towers of lotus bud shape, courtyards, porches and chambers on various levels linked by stairways.  The 699 ft. high central tower constitutes 3 square or rectangular levels, with each level is progressively higher and smaller than the underneath one.

Angkor Wat Inside

Angkor Wat Interior

Angkor Wat Inside Temple

Tree Temple Angkor Wat

The structure of the complex exemplifies the classical Khmer Architectural style or the Angkor Wat style, from which the name was originated.  The main visible areas of the temple were built with sandstone blocks, while the outer wall and other hidden structural parts were built with laterite. The exterior wall of the temple is encircled by a 30-meter open ground along with a moat of 190 meters wide.

Angkor Wat Inside Corridoor

Angkor Wat Sunrise

Sculpture of Angkor Wat

Upper Gallery at Angkor Wat

The architectural structure and style of this temple have drawn numerous appreciations from all over the world. According to a mid twentieth century observatory of the temple, Maurice Glaize, the temple reflects as a work of power, unity and style.

Angkor Wat Sunset

Decoration on the Corner

Inside of Angkor Wat