Cambodia Finalizes Restoration of Ancient Temple in UNESCO-Listed Angkor Park
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Synopsis
On February 3, 2024, Cambodia announced the completion of restoration work on an ancient temple over 1,000 years old, situated in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. The project, overseen by the APSARA National Authority, restored the temple to its original grandeur, enhancing the cultural heritage of the region.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration Completed: The temple restoration was finished in December 2024.
- Historical Significance: The temple dates back to the late ninth century.
- Location: It is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
- Visitor Attraction: The temple is expected to attract more tourists post-restoration.
- Economic Impact: The Angkor site generated significant revenue from tourism in 2024.
Phnom Penh, Feb 3 (NationPress) Cambodia has successfully finished the restoration of a brick temple that is over 1,000 years old, located on the northern side of Phnom Krom Temple within the UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Park, as reported by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) on Monday.
According to Ros Visoth, a Conservation Officer at ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, the Hindu temple, constructed in the late ninth century, stands approximately six metres wide and more than seven metres tall.
The restoration process started in June 2024 and concluded in late December 2024.
“The temple, which had fallen into disrepair, has been fully restored, regaining its historical magnificence thanks to the diligent work of experts from the APSARA National Authority,” Visoth stated.
He noted that before the restoration, the temple was in a compromised state, with considerable degradation affecting its roof and walls.
“During the rainy season, water infiltrated through the brick joints due to aging, adverse weather, and vegetation that damaged the bricks,” he explained.
“To restore the temple, the team concentrated on conserving the existing bricks by salvaging those that were still intact, while also crafting new bricks to fill in the gaps, and they meticulously reconstructed the walls to match the original design,” he added.
Visoth expressed confidence that the restored temple will attract many visitors, as reported by Xinhua.
Perched on a hill, Phnom Krom Temple provides a range of attractions, including breathtaking views of the freshwater Tonle Sap Lake, scenic landscapes of golden rice fields, majestic sunrises and sunsets, as well as nearby villages and pagodas, according to the press release.
Situated in northwest Siem Reap province, the 401-square-kilometre Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples, constructed from the ninth to the 13th centuries.
This ancient site is the kingdom's most visited tourist location, drawing in 1.02 million international tourists in 2024, generating a total revenue of $47.8 million from ticket sales, as per Angkor Enterprise.
