曼谷大皇宫丨泰国曼谷

The Grand Palace – Bangkok

By

Nathalia Braga

Hi all! How is everything? Hope this year has started well for all…

Do you remember which was the most luxurious and lush place you have ever been?

Well, I guess that for me “The Grand Palace”, located in Bangkok, Thailand, is so far one of the top 5 of those places on my list.

I was just paralysed with so many textures, colours and ornaments in this beautiful complex! It is just shocking especially if you visit it in a very sunny day, as I did.

We had recently a post on this Blog related to

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital

, Thailand. In summary, after the destruction of

Ayutthaya

by the Burmese the capital of the Siamese Kingdom (today part of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam) migrated to

Thonburri

, already close to Bangkok actually just across the river, and then finally to Bangkok, in the place where used to be occupied by a Chinese Community which was relocated to where today we find the Bangkok’s Chinatown.

The location of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Source:

The Grand Palace’s layout was planned similarly to the

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital

, it actually has remains of the ancient capital , mainly materials from forts and walls of the city. However, the temples remained untouched. The collected bricks were then incorporated into the walls of Bangkok and the Grand Palace itself.

Its constructions began on 6 May 1782 and was utilised until the 1920’s when a series of new palaces were constructed elsewhere for the king’s use; these included the more modern

Dusit Palace

and the

Phaya Thai Palace

. Therefore, these other Bangkok residences began to replace the Grand Palace as the primary place of residence of the monarch and his court. By 1925 this gradual move out of the palace was complete.

The Grand Palace is divided into four main courts, separated by numerous walls and gates: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

. Each of these court’s functions and access are clearly defined by laws and traditions. The Outer Court is in the northwestern part of the Grand Palace; within are the royal offices and (formerly) state ministries. To the northeast is the Temple of the

Emerald Buddha

, the royal chapel, and home of the

Emerald Buddha

. The Middle Court housed the most important state apartments and ceremonial throne halls of the king. The Inner Court, at the south end of the complex, was reserved only for females, as it housed the king’s harem.

Map of the Grand Palace. Source:

The newest parts of the Grand Palace such as the “

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

” present an interesting blend of  Thai Architectural elements with European (

French Belle Epoque

to be more specific) classic styles. That is visible as well in the Landscaping of those areas with the topiary very characteristic of the French European gardens.

Today the Grand Palace is still a centre of ceremony and of the current monarchy, and serves as a museum and tourist attraction as well. Whether you are interested in Architecture, Religion or Thai Culture, I am pretty sure this place will just amaze you with its grandiosity and exuberance.

Nathalia Braga

Nathalia Braga is a Brazilian Architect and Urban Planner working in the industry since 2009. Currently works and resides in between Brazil and Australia since 2017. Passionate about design in general, people, photography, coffee, music, philosophy and yoga (and other things but it would get too long).