One of the most unique temples in Bangkok is Wat Benchamabophit or white marble temple. Built entirely of white marble from the city of Carrara in Italy, Bangkok’s Wat Benchamabophit will not leave you indifferent and that makes it another of the must-see attractions that you must try to see when visiting the city.
Wat Benchamabophit was built in the late 19th century by King Rama V. Influenced by European tastes, King Rama V decided that its construction would be entirely of white marble, to create a temple unique in the country and give it the grandeur the monarch wanted. When visiting the temple, in addition to enjoying the feeling of space created by the marble, we can see a golden Buddha figure (which stands out incredibly on an azlul background) or Phra Buddahajinaraja where the ashes of King Rama V and the court with its 52 Buddha images (brought from other parts of the country or donated by neighboring countries).
History
In the late 19th century, King Rama V built the Dusit Palace, a vast complex of palaces and royal residences including the Anata Samakhom, the Vimanmek Royal Mansion and the Abhisek Throne Hall.
*Once the construction of the palace was completed, the king ordered the construction of this magnificent temple in 1899. The official name of the temple is Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, which means “Monastery of the Fifth King near Dusit Palace”, honoring Rama V.
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The Temple
The main structure of the temple was designed by Prince Narisara Nuvativongse, half-brother of King Rama V. Entirely made of Carrara marble imported from Italy, the entrance of the temple has four beautiful marble columns. On each side, stone statues of lions guard the temple. The style is traditional, elegant and decorated in gold.
The main hall contains an image of Buddha preserving the ashes of King Rama V; it is a reproduction of a seven century old statue that is currently in Phitsanulok temple. All walls have niches with paintings of Thailand’s major stupas, and the galleries display 52 Buddha images from different historical periods in different artistic styles. Contains European religious details, such as stained glass windows, and has in a cloister, a superb collection of bronze Buddha statues.
Behind this structure is a tree imported from India, where, according to legend, the Buddha achieved divine enlightenment.
How to get to Wat Benchamabophit?
The best way to get to the Marble Temple is by cab or tuk tuk. If you want to travel by public transportation, you can do so by taking buses 72 and 503.
Visiting hours are from 8am to 5:30pm daily and the entrance fee is 20 bth.
69 Rama V Rd, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
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