World Heritage Identification Number: 576
World Heritage since: 1991
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇹🇭 Thailand
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Ayutthaya: A Glimpse into Ancient Splendor
The Historic City of Ayutthaya, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of Thailand. Founded around 1350 CE, Ayutthaya served as the second capital of the Siamese kingdom, succeeding Sukhothai.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Founded c. 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.
Encyclopedia Record: Ayutthaya Historical Park
Ayutthaya Historical Park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, Thailand. The city of Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1351,[a] though it is likely to be significantly older, based on evidence showing that the area was already populated during the Mon Dvaravati period. Sources further mention that around 850 AD, the Khmers occupied the area and established a stronghold there, naming it Ayodhya, after one of the holiest Hindu cities in India of the same name. The early history of Ayutthaya is connected to this Khmer settlement. Additionally, Prince Damrong has also attested to the existence of a city named Ayodhya, founded by the Khmers ruling from Lopburi at the point where the three rivers meet. An excavation map shows traces of an ancient baray close to the southwestern tip of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which could have been built on a former important Khmer temple complex.Additional Site Details
Area: 289 hectares
Coordinates: 14.34778 , 100.56056
