Wat Phra Ram

THAILAND, Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Ram means the Temple of Rama. It was built in 1369 by King Ramesuan (reigned 1369–1370, 1388–1395) of Ayutthaya at the cremation site of his father. It was probably completed during the period of King Borommaracha I (reigned 1370–1388). The temple was renovated in the 15th century. It was severely damaged during the Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya in 1767. As part of the Historic City of Ayutthaya, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The temple faces east and consists of the main stupa, as well as the remains of the eastern and western halls, the ordination hall, several shrines, and many Thai-style stupas. The Khmer-style main stupa has a tapered curved shape and is erected on a square base platform. The main entrance is located on the east side, while the remaining sides contain false entrances. Partially damaged ancillary stupas encircle the main stupa on the same base platform, which forms a gallery where there are rows of Buddha statues.