the grand palace
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the
magnificent buildings
within
the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur
architectural style. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations
capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major
architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time,
The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace
is used for ceremonial purposes.
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within
the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur
architectural style.
Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I,
The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai
Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at
Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial
purposes.
The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for
King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his
Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural
landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly
used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception
areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on
the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of
Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.
Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King
Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it
improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also
resided here at one time or another.
The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau
is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area
for the royal women and children.
Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai
where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the
throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.