Angkor, a 150-square-mile complex of temples, monuments and roads, is one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage sites, a site of global importance that deserves special protection. Noted for its vast expanse, and intricate craftsmanship, Angkor was and continues to be an important hub for religious and cultural purposes. Although its religious affiliation and cultural use have changed over the course of centuries, many of the original structures still stand today as a testament to the beauty and originality of ancient Khmer architecture.
My friends and I enlisted the help of a tuk-tuk and took a whirlwind tour of some of Angkor’s main temples, including Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. Walking into the temples, we were greeted by cool, dark, cavernous passages lined by large stone slabs. Intricate carvings of historical scenes, ornate patterns and deities danced across the temple walls. Despite the heavy building materials, the temple felt light and airy, owing to numerous windows and doorways cut into the solid structure. Visiting the temples, I was astounded by the size and intricacy of the temples, and as the day drew on, I became increasingly impressed by the vast expanse of the Angkor complex. Have you visited a religious site? If so, what was the site like? How did its construction influence the way you felt inside or near it?
