Monday, August 06, 2007

Bayon

There are many other Temples to be found around Siem Reap. Some of the more interesting include the following:

Bayon Temple

At the centre of the great city of Angkor Thom, lies the Bayon Temple. . Built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, this 3-storeyed temple, 43 m in height , stayed for a long time an enigma. The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. Over 200 large faces adorn the 54 towers at Bayon. Although controversial, the similarity of the gigantic faces on the temple's towers to other statues of the king has led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are representations of Jayavarman VII himself.

http://www.aangkortourguide.com/angkortemples/bayon.htm





The "many faces" of Bayon.




East Mebon

Beth asks our guide, Sam, where are the granite countertops?




Some of these structures could use additional support.


Neak Pean, notable for its medicinal function.