Sights
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ) Inside the wihan enshrines a Buddha image on a masonry base known as Chukkachi. Another item that should be mentioned is about one of the “Prang Rai” – satellite Prangs - on the northwestern side. At every corner of its star-fruit shape, there is a stucco relief of Thep Phanom – angel in adoration - turning their faces to every direction.
Office Building of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Central Region Office: Region 7 (อาคารสำนักงานการท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย (ททท.) ภาคกลางเขต 7) It is a hip-roof building, constructed in 1930 by Than Phrakhru Lop Buri Khanachan, the abbot of Wat Sao Thong Thong to be a school building, replacing the Khorosan one which was located within Wat Sao Thong Thong. This new school was called Phra Narai School which had been a provincial school for boys.
Phra Narai Ratchaniwet (พระนารายณ์ราชนิเวศน์) King Narai the Great had this palace constructed in 1666 to be his royal residence in Lop Buri. The structures within the compound can be divided into 2 groups in accordance with the period of construction as follows:
Structures during the reign of King Narai the Great include:
Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall (พระที่นั่งดุสิตสวรรค์ธัญญมหาปราสาท) is a throne hall whose style of fine art is a mixture of Thai and French architecture. Originally, it was an audience hall with a pointed top in the Mondop shape. This was also the place where King Narai the Great received Chevalier de Chaumont and the French envoys in 1685.
Chanthara Phisan Hall (พระที่นั่งจันทรพิศาล) was used as an audience hall, similar to what was stated in the record by the French. At present, the hall is an exhibition venue, presenting the biography of King Narai the Great and the fine arts of Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin.
Suttha Sawan Hall (พระที่นั่งสุทธาสวรรค์) was a private residence of King Narai the Great, located at the inner section of the royal palace. King Narai the Great passed away at this hall on 11 July, 1688.
Phrachao Hao Building (ตึกพระเจ้าเหา) This building clearly presents the architectural characteristics of King Narai the Great’s period. It is a Thai-style brick building with a laterite base. However, at present, all that remains are only the walls, windows and doors of the Ruean Kaeo arch with the Simha or lion base whose patterns can still be seen.
Reception Hall for Foreign Visitors (ตึกรับรองแขกเมือง) It reflects the French architectural style. In accordance with the French chronicle, this building was at the centre of the park, which was divided into a grid, while around the building was a moat.
Phra Khlang Supharat (The Twelve Royal Storage Buildings) (พระคลังศุภรัตน์ (หมู่ตึกสิบสองท้องพระคลัง)) is situated between the water tank and the Reception Hall for Foreign Visitors. It is believed to have been a place to store royal goods and treasures for official use.
Water Tank (อ่างเก็บน้ำหรือถังเก็บน้ำประปา) was constructed of brick with a specially-thick wall at its edge. Underground lies a baked-clay pipe to distribute water from Thale Chup Son and Sap Lek Reservoir to the buildings and halls.
|