Sukhothai - town in the north of Thailand.
This is the ancient capital of the same name of the kingdom. A relatively small city - about 80 thousand people live here.
From Bangkok - more than five hours of driving. The city was founded in the 1930s of the 13th century, and the name of the town translates as "dawn of happiness" - then it will be clear why. Today the town itself and its historical part are 12 kilometers from each other. And this Historical part - The most interesting. Several temples are collected on its territory, which represent a truly amazing spectacle. About him and talk. By the way, I haven't forgotten, this ensemble is under UNESCO control.
First, the Kingdom of Sukhothai was the first Thai state in these parts, because previously power was in the hands of Khmer from Cambodia. The generals who founded the city were configured to drive Khmer from the center of Thailand. The new kingdom has become a rather important religious and political center. In those days, a Thai alphabet was formed, and the main thing instead of the Hinduism of Khmer religion in the country recognized Buddhism. However, in the 1930s of the 15th century, the Sukkhotai state fell apart and swallowed by the Thai kingdom of Ayuttay, which at that time was extremely influential.
Ancient city surrounded the walls with a gate. The territory of this part is about 70 km², divided into five parts and contains as much as 200 historical objects. It is worth noting that borrowing from many cultures in the architecture of this city, but in the end it turned out something that distinguishes it from all other similar complexes.
Wat Mahathat - The main temple of the ensemble.
It is located in the center of the Drain of the city, surrounded by lakes with the lotus. The name of the temple is translated as a "great relic" - such a name was not one temple of Thailand (though, only the main). Scientists believe that this temple was built in the 13th century and then reconstructed in the 14th century. The temple consists of the main Vicharne (premises for prayers and ceremonies), sophistication (building for closed rites of monks), 10 buildings and 200 cdi (stupas for dust or relics). In the temple there was a statue of the Buddha, but at the end of the 18th century, by order of the King of Rama I, it was transported to the temple in Bangkok and renamed, as they considered that this statue was able to work wonders. The temple appears rather destroyed, and, compared to the rest of the temples, it has been very well preserved. But the high columns are impressive, and these Chedi ... Still in the Temple are two statues of the Buddha. The style of the construction contains the elements of Cambodian architecture, and the features of Sri Lanka.
Wat San da Pha-Daeng - This is the oldest building. It was built somewhere in the 12th century.
IN Si-Chum Temple You can see a huge statue of the Buddha. She is so big that Buddha's palm is a person per person. The width of the statue is 11 meters, and the height is about 15 meters. There is a legend that the inhabitants could rise to the top of the temple on the stairs to talk to there with the Buddha and ask him the Council.
Temple with three tower, Wat Si-Savai When construction was dedicated to Shiva.
Church of Wat Phra Phai Luang Located in the north of the city.
Scientists suggest that for some time he was the main, at a later stage, after Wat Mahathat managed to "camp." This temple consists of three high sts - classical Khmer architecture.
In the east you can see Wat Chang Lom. ("Temple surrounded by elephants"). Conditions stand the statues of elephants - the explicit effect of the architecture of Sri Lanka is traced.
Another oriental temple - Wat saphan chin ("Stone Bridge Temple"), stands on the top of the hill. He got its name thanks to the path, which was paved by stone slabs.
Visit I. National Museum of Rama Camphaeng (Ramkhamhaeng National Museum) , near the historic park.
The museum is dedicated to the king of the ancient kingdom. The museum was built in 1964, and at its opening there was a royal couple. After 20 years, a new building was attached to the old building, which is now used for temporary exhibitions and conferences. This museum stores the old artifacts, and the items of modern life of a modern bitch, as well as historical items from the neighboring cities of Satchany and Camphaeng Phete, and the Kingdom of Ayuttay.
For example, here you can see stone plates with records, porcelain and ceramic products, statues of deities from bronze, statues of Buddha from different materials, skulls with letters and weapons. Pearl Collection - Bronze Footprint Buddha Foot, China Chinese Dynasty Yuan and Huge Stone Bell.
The historic city of Camphaeng Phetorical Park (Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park)
City as part of Sukhothai. It remains parts of the fortress walls, but residential houses have not reached our days. In the center - Wat Phra Keo , it can be seen today.
Most likely, public meetings were held in this temple, but the monks did not live in it. The temple is a little less Wat Phra Thahat. , Kedi has retained from laterite and bricks with a base diameter of 15 meters.
Church of Wat Phra Non It boasts swimsuit with many columns.
These columns were made of a solid piece of ladeite with a diameter of more than 1 meter and a height of almost 6.5 meters. The largest similar columns in Thailand. In the center once there was a giant statue of the lying Buddha. It is no longer there, and the platform is destroyed.
IN Cotton px si iriabot There were a bathing and a statue of a sitting Buddha. Palace Sa Mon. With the courtyard and the lake was sometimes surrounded by a shaft, but today it is completely destroyed. Wat Phra Singh Square Chedi The base and arches are impressive, first of all, the hall for monastic ceremonies with an ornament in the form of a lion and Naga (mythical snake).
Wat Chang Rop. It stands on the top of the hill. Home Chedi is damaged from above. But what is below is impressive: bas-reliefs in the form of figures 68 elephants, demons and dancers.
Historic Park Satchanalai (Si Satchanalai Historical Park) Located in two hours drive from the previous one. He is also full of amazing vintage temples and buildings and deserves visits. It turns out that the historic city of Sukhothay was Rovenko between them.
The park is officially opened for visits after restoration in 1988, and under the protection of UNESCO since 1991. Amazing places!