Bangkok, the city of a thousand temples.
The real name of Bangkok
“The City of Angels, the Great City, the Eternal Residence, the Great Indestructible Jewel, the Great Capital of the Blessed World, the Inviolable City, the Indomitable City of God, the Grand City of the Indomitable Royal Jewel and the Indomitable Divine Gem.”
“กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถานอมรพิมานอวตารสถิตสักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิต”
The city of a thousand temples.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a city rich in history, culture and magnificent temples that capture the imagination of visitors from all over the world. Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this dynamic metropolis offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Among Bangkok’s many treasures, the temples stand out as jewels of religious art and architectural beauty. These sacred sites offer a glimpse of Thai culture as well as magnificent examples of local craftsmanship and pictorial art.
Bangkok’s history goes back more than two centuries. It was founded in 1782 by King Rama I, who moved the royal capital from Ayutthaya to this strategic location. The city’s full name, “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit,” means “The City of Angels, the Great City, the Eternal Residence…” and reflects the spiritual importance of this metropolis.
Temples, or “wats” in Thai, play a central role in Bangkok’s religious and cultural life. One of the city’s most famous temples is Wat Phra Kaew, located in the grounds of the Grand Palace. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a jade statue revered by the Thai people. The temple’s walls are adorned with detailed murals telling stories from Buddhist mythology and Thai history. The meticulousness and precision of these paintings demonstrate the skill of Thai artists.
Wat Pho, another important temple, is renowned for its impressive 46-metre-long reclining Buddha. The walls of this temple are also covered with magnificent paintings depicting religious and historical scenes. The vivid colors and intricate details of the paintings transport visitors into a world of spirituality and art.
What makes Bangkok’s temples even more special is the meticulous attention paid to their upkeep. Teams of craftsmen and conservation experts work tirelessly to restore and preserve these sacred sites. Ornate roofs, intricate carvings and mural paintings require regular maintenance to preserve their splendor. Temple roofs sparkle in the sunlight thanks to the gold leaf used for decoration. This tradition dates back centuries and is an example of Thailand’s ongoing commitment to Buddhist art and culture. The magic of Bangkok’s temples is a powerful reminder of Thailand’s rich history and culture, and the importance of preserving them for future generations. You could spend months visiting every temple in Bangkok and still be in awe. Many are home to monks in their characteristic robes, who are not only the guardians of Buddhist culture, but also responsible for certain temple maintenance tasks.
A visit to Bangkok’s temples transports you into a world of beauty, serenity and spirituality. The pictorial art and intricate ornamentation of these sacred places reflect the soul of Thailand and testify to the people’s devotion to their faith and cultural heritage. However, as soon as you leave the silent temple precincts, the hustle and bustle of life takes over again, with the turbulent tuk-tuks so beloved by tourists, but highly polluting. These colorful little vehicles whirr through the streets, providing a hectic and typical means of transport.
And you don’t have to run far to get your fill, as food vendors put on an exquisite gastronomic show, a welcome change from the gilded frescoes on the temple walls. Stalls filled with tantalizing aromas offer a variety of local dishes, inviting visitors to sample delicious Thai cuisine. The air is infused with a culinary symphony, and fragrances mingle with incense, creating a unique sensory experience for tourists discovering Bangkok’s buzzing culture.
Bangkok (Thailand) – 2013
