Wat Ratchanatdaram: Visit the World's Only Metal Castle

🙏 Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara, a third-class royal monastery, was built in 1846 by King Rama III to honor Princess Somanass Waddhanawadi, his niece. Hence, it was named Wat Ratchanatdaram. 📚 It was registered as a historic site in 1949. The architecture within the temple includes: 🏰 The Metal Castle: King Rama III ordered its construction instead of a stupa, but it was left unfinished. King Rama V later completed it. It is the first metal castle in Thailand and the third in the world. 🏰 The building has 7 floors with 37 spires, representing the 37 virtues leading to enlightenment in Buddhism. The 7th floor houses the Buddha's relics. The center of the castle is hollow with a spiral staircase of 67 steps. 🏰 The Ubosot (ordination hall) features Thai art with a gable decorated with gold leaf and beautiful glass. Inside, the principal Buddha image is Phra Setthamuni. 🏰 The Vihara (assembly hall) houses Phra Phuttha Chutitham Nara Sap, a Buddha image in the posture of forbidding the ocean. 🏚 The Sermon Hall has ceiling and wall paintings, and a life-sized statue of King Rama III covered in gold leaf, standing at the front. Inside, there is a Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara from the early Ayutthaya period. 🧱 The outer wall and surrounding pavilions resemble city walls. In front of the temple, there is a large pavilion with stairs on the left and right sides. 🏚 The Bell Tower is a two-story square building made of brick and mortar, featuring the architectural style of King Rama III's era. ⛰ Phra Chai Hill: The hill features a high-relief stucco image of the Buddha and his disciples. 💥 Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara: Maha Chai Road, Wat Bowon Niwet Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 🌐 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HPUTotK9KdqQWFyG6 🕗 Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM 🇻🇳 Admission Fee: 20 Baht for foreigners