Many believe Angkor, Cambodia is a bucket list destination on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. UNESCO is one of the most respected and renowned organizations in the world which puts a considerable amount of effort on a daily basis to improve education, sciences, and world culture. Currently, UNESCO preserves 1073 World Heritage Sites in 167 countries, selected on six cultural and four natural criteria.
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Many believe Angkor, Cambodia is a bucket list
destination on UNESCO's list of World Heritage
Sites.
UNESCO is one of the most respected and
renowned organizations in the world which puts a
considerable amount of effort on a daily basis to
improve education, sciences, and world culture.
Currently, UNESCO preserves 1073 World
Heritage Sites in 167 countries, selected on six
cultural and four natural criteria.
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For a site to be labeled as a World Heritage
location, it must be of outstanding value to world
culture and meet at least one out of ten
mentioned criteria. Angkor UNESCO World
Heritage Site Angkor is undoubtedly the most
popular tourist attraction in the country and also
one of the most important archaeological sites in
South-East Asia.
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Although located in a province in Siem Reap, it is
not the entire province that arouses so much
attention. Under a veil of mystery, a complex of
1000 temples emerges in this area and leaves the
visitors breathless. The thrill only increases when
observing incredible details entangled in the
architecture of these iconic temples.
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Angkor is located in northwestern Cambodia, not
far from the now modern city Siemreab. The world
heritage site Angkor spreads across 400 square
kilometers and includes temples, communication
routes, basins, reservoirs, canals, and much
more. Angkor was once the dominant center of
one of the most successful kingdoms in
Southeast Asia, the Khmer dynasty.
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This dynasty ruled from the 9th to the 15th
century. Like many other rulers before and after
them, the kings of Khmer dynasty did their best to
develop and orchestrate construction projects
which praised their gods, their city, but also
themselves.
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The time for the Khmer dynasty was a prosperous
period, and Angkor was a center for
administration at the time. However, by the end of
12th century, Buddhism was on the rise, and the
city lost its strength under the influence of this
new religion. By the end of 16th century, the town
had been completely abandoned. Fortunately,
enough is left for us to know this was a glorious
city in its time.
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The panorama of this enchanting place is the first
thing that grabs your attention, but it is only the
beginning. One of the most incredible specialties
of Angkor is purely in the details. Visitors are
stunned by the intricate details in the more than
800 meters of beautiful bas-reliefs. These bas-
reliefs serve as a story-telling tool and present
some of the most important historical events and
mythological creatures.
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The city looks impressive. Like many other cities,
Angkor also has a moat surrounding it. Since the
trench is rectangular, the Ankgors’ outer wall also
follows the same pattern. The main entrance was and
still is magnificent. A tower near the entrance holds a
3.25 m high statue of eight-handed Vishnu, made from
a single sandstone. The city also has almost 500 m
long avenue. By walking along this avenue, you will
reach the main temple. You will also see two libraries
and two pools. The central temple complex consists of
three stories, each special in its way. The central
tower stands at the very top of the complex and gives
the final touch to the whole construction.
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The temples were made of large sandstone
blocks. The residents of Angkor probably used
stones from a mountain called Phnom Kulen.
What is impressive and almost incredible is that
they managed to drag those stones from a peak
that is 50 kilometers away! According to some
writings, the entire operation included 3000
workers and 6000 elephants. The initial plans for
the project were even grander. However, it was
considerably smaller upon completion.
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Why Is It a Part of UNESCO World Heritage?
Angkor in Cambodia fulfills four of UNESCO’s
criteria because it contains artistic masterpieces
of unprecedented value which opened new
insights into Oriental architecture. The site also
played a significant role in the political and cultural
development of the region. Angkor's integrity and
authenticity have earned it a place among many
other sites on our planet that deserve our utmost
care and respect.