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The ancient city of
Ayutthaya,or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,The Thai capital for 417 years,
is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions.Many ancient ruins
and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King
U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours.During
the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 Kings of different
dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in
1767.
Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and
boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya
was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart
of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage
since 13 December ,1991.
Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometres, and is
administratively divided into 16 districts (Ampohes). It is conveniently
accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok. |
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Ayutthaya Photo Album |
 Wat
Phra Sri Sanphet
The royal
palace was located here from the establishment of Ayutthaya
in the reign of King Ramathibodi I (1350 A.D.) to the rign of
King Sam Phraya (1448 A.D.). Later King Borommatrailokanat ordered
a wat to be build on this site in 1448 A.D. to be used as a
monastic area. |
 Wat
Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram,
one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, was established
by the command of King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D.. It is believed
that the wat is located on the site of his former home. The
reason for his building this monastery was to make merit for
his mother. Prince Damrong Rachanuphap noted that its architecture
was similar to that of Angkor Wat and infered that the wat might
have been built to commemorate the king's victory over Cambodia.
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 Wat
Mahathat
The construction
of Wat Mahathat was begun during the reign of King Borommarachathirat
I in 1374 A.D. but was completed during the reign of King Ramesuan
(1388-1395 A.D.). When King Songtham (1610-1628 A.D.) was in
power the main prang collapsed. The restoration work on the
prang was probably completed in the reign of King Prasatthong
(1630-1655 A.D.) Duing the restoration the height of the prang
was considerably increased. |
 Phra
Mongkhonbophit
In the
early Ayutthaya period there was no place specially used for
cremations. When a King died an area would be chosen for that
royal ritual. After the ceremonies had been performed the location
where the cremation took place became the site of a monastery;
for example. Wat Phra Ram is located where King U Thong was
cremated. Only as of the reign of King Songtham is there evidence
of a specific area having been reserved for this purpose. |
 Wat
Ratchaburana
In 1424
A.D. King Intharachathirat passed away. His two sons, Chao Aye
Phraya who reigned over Suphanburi, and Chao Yi Phraya who reigned
over Sanburi, met in battle as each desired the throne. This
took place at the approach to the Pa-Than bridge and ended with
the death of both sons. A third son, Chao Sam Phraya came down
from Phitsanulok and acceded to the throne where upon he declared
his intention to organize a funeral for his father and his two
brothers. Afterwards he ordered the building of a wat, namely
Wat Ratchaburana, at the site of the cremation and at the place
where his brothers fought and died he had two chedis created
in which to keep their ashes. |
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