Date of Construction:
Late 11th century AD
Religious Affiliation:
Hinduism
Patron or King:
Udayadityavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style:
Baphuon
Location: 12 kms west of
Siem Reap Town
Duration of Visit: 1 hour
plus transport
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Position:
Ruins of the central island temple of the
West Baray. West Mebon is in poor shape, consisting
primarily of a single wall displaying some carvings in fair
condition. The carvings exhibit some of the first examples of
carvings of animals in natural, non-mythological scenes,
reminiscent of carving on
Baphuon.
West Mebon may have originally housed a renowned bronze
Buddha statue which is now held at the
National Museum
in Phnom Penh. The West Baray, though ancient, is filled
with water year round and has become a local recreational area.
Take route #6 west from town. Turn right about 3 km past the
airport turnoff. A short boat ride is necessary to visit the
ruins. |
