In 1991, part of Ayutthaya Historical Park was declared a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE under criteria III as an excellent witness to the period of development of a true national Thai art.
The location of this site is Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya. This ancient temple was built during the 14th century, but was reduced to ruins in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam. The temple was destroyed by the Burmese who also vandalized many of the Buddha images in Ayutthaya by lopping off the heads.
Nobody knows for certain how the Buddha head became entwined in the roots of the tree. One theory suggests that the tree simply grew around the Buddha head during the period when the temple lay abandoned and overgrown.
The temple is located in the area of the Ayutthaya Historical Park nowadays. attractions in Wat Phra Mahathat of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya include remains of important old buildings such as pagodas, octagonal pagodas, royal hall, small temples, murals under a Bodhi tree, and the famous sand-stone Ayutthaya-style head of the Buddha image in a tree’s root. Nearby attractions - The Ancient Palace, with only the basement of the building left to be seen today. - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, an important temple in the royal palace of the Ayutthaya era. - Wat Ratchaburana, which stands opposite to Wat Phra Mahathat and is famous for its elaborately decorated main pagoda. - Wat Phra Ram, which was built in the reign of King Ramesuan in the area where his father, King Ramathibodi I, was cremated. - Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bo Phit, which was named after Phra Mongkhon Bophit, the sitting Buddha image with the gesture of Subduing Mara.
A rich history and developing modern culture make Ayutthaya a fascinating place to visit. Only 85 km north of Bangkok, this special place possesses both the ruins of an ancient city and the feel of a modern one. With its unique history, Ayutthaya is a worthy cultural destination to include on your holiday in Thailand.
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