8 beautiful Angkor temples, in Cambodia

Banteay Srei (“Citadel of the Women”)

With fine, detailed, tridimensional carvings on the walls, that looks like concrete lace, Banteay Srei is one of my favourite Angkor temples. Legend says that it’s been built by a woman, as the elaborate carvings are supposedly too fine for the hand of a man. Built in 967 AD, Banteay Srei was a temple dedicated to Shiva and is considered to be the jewel of Angkorian craftmanship. The surface of the temple is almost fully covered in decorations and mythical guardians watch over such perfect creations.

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Banteay Srey- Orasul Femeilor. Mici sculpturi tridimensionale, fine, detaliate, ce par a fi tesute din dantela fac din acest templu o bijuterie Angkoriana ce se afla printre preferatele mele din toate templele din Angkor, in Cambodia. Legenda spune ca Banteay Srei a fost construit de o femeie, deoarece sculpturile laboriaoase sunt mult prea fine pentru mainile unui barbat. Suprafetele peretilor sunt aproape in intregime acoperite in decoratiuni, iar creaturi mitice vegheaza asupra acestei minunate creatii. Templul a fost construit in anul 967 si a fost dedicat zeului  Shiva.

Preah Khan (“Sacred Sword”)

One of the largest complexes at Angkor, the temple of Preah Khan reminds me of Ta Prohm, but with fewer visitors. In the maze of corridors, between the ruins, there were local children spending time.

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Preah Khan – “Sabia sacra“: este unul din cele mai vaste complexe din Angkor si parca seamana un pic cu templul Ta Prohm, dar cu mai putini turisti. Copii isi petreceau timpul in labirintul de ruine.

Pre Rup (“Turning the body”)

Pre Rup was built during Rajendravarman II and it has pyramid shape towers. “Turning the body” refers to a traditional method of cremation.

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Templul Pre Rup – “Rotirea cadavrului”: a fost construit in timpul lui Radendravarman al II-lea si are turnuri in forma de piramida. Rotirea cadavrului se refera la o metoda traditionala de incinerare.

Neak Poan

A tower on a lake.

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Neak Poan: Templul de pe lac.

Ta Som

Ta Som temple, built in the 12th century, provides a good photo opportunity: a huge tree embracing the eastern tower.

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In templul Ta Som, construit in sec al XII-lea, se afla un copac urias ce invaluie turnul de est.

Eastern Mebon

This Hindu temple is guarded at its corners by carved stone elephants.

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Mebonul de Est: acest templu Hindus este pazit la colturi de elefanti ciopliti in piatra.

Beng Mealea

Built in the 12th century, Beng Mealea is a mysterious temple drowned in jungle. Lonely Planet names it: “The ultimate Indiana Jones experience“. Paths take you through piles of stones and hanging vines, and the foliage offers cool shadow during hot days.

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Construit in sec al XII-lea, Beng Mealea e un templu misterios invadat de jungla. Ghidul Lonely Planet numeste templul :”experienta suprema Indiana Jones“. Sunt alei ce te duc printre gramezi de pietre si liane, iar umbra racoroasa a copacilor e perfecta in zilele calduroase!

Preah Koh

Built in the 9th century, this temple dedicated to Shiva has 6 towers (3 in the front related to male ancestors and 3 in the back related to female ancestors). Stone lions guard the steps of the temple.

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Construit in secolul IX si dedicat zeului Shiva, templul Preah Koh are 6 turnuri (cele 3 din fata se refera la stramosii de sex masculin, iar cele 3 turnuri din spate se refera la stramosii de sex feminin. Lei din piatra vegheaza treptele templului.

See also:

• ANGELS of Cambodia
• 6 less visited temples at Ankor, Cambodia
• Ta Prohm, the temple in the jungle of Cambodia
• Bayon, the temple of 216 faces
• Sunrise at Angkor Wat, the most popular temple in Cambodia