Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park ( Thai: อุทยาน ประวัติศาสตร์ พระนคร คีรี ) is located on a hill in Phetchaburi Province in central Thailand. Phra Nakhon Khiri means "Holy City Hill", but the locals call it Khao Wang, the "Palace Hill".
Plant
The historical park consists of three building complexes that have been built on the three peaks of more than 90 meters high hill. On the " Western Hills " Let the king built his residence, along with several smaller buildings and halls. The " central peak" is dominated by the Chedi Phra That Chom Phet. The royal temple of Wat Phra Kaeo is on the " eastern tip ".
The Thai Fine Arts Department registered the facility on December 13, 1953 as "National Monument". After a thorough restoration, it is now free of tourists to visit.
Facilities
Phra Thinang Phetphum Phairot
The throne hall Phra Thinang Phetphum Phairot ( Thai: พระที่นั่ง เพชร ภูมิ ไพโรจน์ ) is the largest building. The foundation stone was laid in July 1859. She served as a throne hall for audiences. After extensive restoration work, it is now used as a house for state visitors in the country.
Phra Thinang Pramot Mahaisawan
The Phra Thinang Pramot Mahaisawan ( พระที่นั่ง ปราโมทย์ ม ไห สวร ร ย์ ) was the king's residence, here were his bedchambers.
Phra Thinang Wichien Prasat
The Phra Thinang Wichien Prasat ( Thai: พระที่นั่ง เวชยันต์ วิเชียร ปราสาท ) is an impressive example of Thai architecture, it was built in honor of King Mongkut on a three-level terrace, each was surrounded by a balustrade. In the center of Prasat stands in a classic, Thai style. On its roof are four ornate towers surrounding a symbolic Prang. This quincunx arrangement is the center of the Buddhist world view ( Traibhumikatha ), Mount Meru with the four continents surrounding symbolize. Inside the building is under a seven-fold shield a bust of King Mongkut. The taking of the form initially a French sculptor was commissioned, who had to work from a photograph. The king was pleased with the result and ordered a Thai sculptor with work. However, this was based on the work of the French, so that today both versions of the bust will be exhibited. The king died before the second statue was completed.
Observatory
King Mongkut was very interested in astronomy and therefore had here an observatory ( Ho Chatchawan Wiangchai, หอ ชัชวาล เวียงชัย ) with a glass roof and a wonderful decoration build. Adjacent is the Ho Phiman Phetmahesuan ( หอ พิมาน เพชร มเหศวร ), a small hall containing Buddha statues and religious objects. Sometimes you served the king for meditation.
Wat Phra Kaeo
The Wat Phra Kaeo was built on the " Eastern Hill" in the style of the late Ayutthaya period: Chedi, ubosot and bell tower (Hor Rakhang ) lie on an axis that is oriented from west to east, as well as on a common terrace. The doors and the tympani of the relatively small ordination hall are richly decorated, the interior was during the lifetime of King Mongkut (Rama IV ) a Buddha statue made of crystal, which the temple area gave its name ( " Kaeo " Thai แก้ว: crystal). The statue was taken to the king's death to Bangkok and replaced by a copy. The approximately 9 meters high chedi Phra Sutthasela behind the ordination hall. It was partially built with materials of the island of Ko Sichang. Across the hall there are three pavilions and a prang made of red sandstone.
History
The entire complex was built by King Mongkut (Rama IV ) and completed in 1860. The execution was for the architect and later Minister of Defence Khuam Bunnag, who applied a European neoclassical style. He wanted to represent the cosmopolitan spirit of the king, against Western science and culture more openly revealed than any of his predecessors.