Phnom Penh - Cambodia - page 65

presentation of credentials by diplomats. Many of the items once displayed here were des-
troyed by the Khmer Rouge.
South of the Throne Hall, check out the curious iron Napoleon II Pavilion OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP . Given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France, it was hardly designed
with the Cambodian climate in mind.
Silver Pagoda Complex
From the palace compound you enter the Silver Pagoda complex through its north gate.
The Silver Pagoda was so named in honour of the floor, which is covered with more than
5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each, adding up to five tonnes of gleaming silver. You can
sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance - most are covered for their pro-
tection. It is also known as Wat Preah Keo (Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha). It was origin-
ally constructed of wood in 1892 during the rule of King Norodom, who was apparently
inspired by Bangkok's Wat Phra Keo, and was rebuilt in 1962.
The Silver Pagoda was preserved by the Khmer Rouge to demonstrate its concern for
the conservation of Cambodia's cultural riches to the outside world. Although more than
half of the pagoda's contents were lost, stolen or destroyed in the turmoil that followed the
Vietnamese invasion, what remains is spectacular. This is one of the few places in Cam-
bodia where bejewelled objects embodying some of the brilliance and richness of Khmer
civilisation can still be seen.
The staircase leading to the Silver Pagoda is made of Italian marble. Inside, the Emerald
Buddha , believed to be made of Baccarat crystal, sits on a gilded pedestal high atop the
dais. In front of the dais stands a life-sized gold Buddha decorated with 2086 diamonds, the
largest of which, set in the crown, is a whopping 25 carats. Created in the palace work-
shops around 1907, the gold Buddha weighs in at 90kg.
Along the walls of the pagoda are examples of extraordinary Khmer artisanship, includ-
ing intricate masks used in classical dance and dozens of gold Buddhas. The many pre-
cious gifts given to Cambodia's monarchs by foreign heads of state appear rather spiritless
when displayed next to such diverse and exuberant Khmer art. Photography is not permit-
ted inside the Silver Pagoda.
The Silver Pagoda complex is enclosed by walls plastered with an extensive mural
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP depicting the classic Indian epic of the Ramayana (known
as the Reamker in Cambodia). The story begins just south of the east gate and includes
vivid images of the battle of Lanka. The mural was created around 1900 and is definitely
showing its age in parts.