Ancient
Palace
Originally
called the 'Grand Palace' or 'Wang Luang', the Ancient Palace
was founded by King U-Thong, with expansions and additions
continuing through the reigns of successive monarchs. The
palace was used as the residence of the reigning king.
Like
the other palaces built in Ayutthaya, Wang Luang was completely
razed by Burmese invaders in 1767. Only brick walls and foundations
remain from the original site. The existing buildings were
erected during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910). Located
at the northern sector of the old town, off U-Thong Road,
the Grand Palace compound houses a number of buildings of
interest to the visitor:
Viharn
Somdet Hall: Designed in a 'prang' style of architecture
and surrounded by a three-sided cloister, this hall was used
for a variety of royal ceremonies, including coronations.
The building was the first in Ayutthaya to be embellished
with gold leaf.
Sanpet
Prasat Hall: Similar in design to the Viharn Somdet Hall,
this building was used to welcome foreign dignitaries.
Suriyat
Amarin Hall: This hall, built in sandstone and brick with
a four-gabled roof, was located close to the river with a
good view of royal barge processions.
Chakkrawat
Phaichayon Hall: Located on the eastern city wall, this
hall was used to view processions and military practice.
Trimuk
Pavilion: A wooden structure built on brick foundations;
the Trimuk Pavilion is one of the best-preserved buildings
in the Grand Palace. It was probably used as the residential
quarters of consort members and a place for relaxation in
the garden.
Banyong
Rattanat Pavilion: Similar to the much-photographed Aisawan
Thipphaya-at Pavilion at Bang Pa-in, this four-gabled pavilion
is located on an island in a pond.
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