Phnom Penh Royal Palace - Chanchhaya Pavillion

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Phnom Penh Royal Palace

 

The Chanchhaya Pavillion stands unmistakably up against the skyline of the riverfront with its lofty

yellow indented walls and spires. It marks the beginning of the Royal Palace on the boulevard of Sothearos. Within the Royal Palace grounds noise from the outside world are muffled by the lofty walls and the buildings of the Palace stand like decorative islands sprouting from the well-maintained gardens.

Aside from it being the home of the King, the Royal Palace also serves as a venue for ceremonies at court and as the Kingdom’s symbol. The Royal Palace was first built at its current situation when Phnom Penh became the capital after it was relocated from Oudong in 1866 under the reign of King Norodom and the Protectorate of the French. But it was really in the 1920s that the Royal Palace attained its present appearance.

Khmer traditions, elements from European, and some distinct influences in architecture from the neighboring Royal Palace in Bangkok served to make the Phnom Penh Royal Palace what it is now. Unique among its many pagodas is that of the Wat Preah Keo Morokat or the Silver Pagoda which is attached to the compound of the Palace. It is named after its flooring which is silver tiled and it is where the King receives his monks as well as a place to hold royal events.