Temple of Preah Vihear
Archaeology » Heritage sites» Temple of Preah Vihear
Location
Dangrek Mountain

Country
Cambodia

Year of Research
2008

Culture
  • Located on the edge of a plateau that controls the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is devoted to Shiva.
  • The Temple is collected of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 meter long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD.
  • Nevertheless, its compound history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This place is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location.
  • The location is outstanding for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone decoration.
  • The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an exceptional masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
  • Preah Vihear is an exceptional masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
  • It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its ornamentation.