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Warning this temple is somewhat isolated,
and you should be vigilant of your possessions and travel with a local guide.
The temple is worth the extra effort to experience the elaborate architecture,
and fine carvings, although theft has mutilated many of the temple's treasures.
Location: 400 meters (1,312 miles) east of the East Baray
Access: enter and leave Banteay Samre from the east.
Date: middle of the 12th century
King: Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-1150)
Religion: Hindu (dedicated to vishnu)
Art Style: Angkor Wat
BACKGROUND
Banteay Samre is one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration
using the method of anastylosis. Unfortunately, the absence of maintenance over
the past 20 years is evident. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of
mountain people, who inhabited the regions at the base of Phnom Kulen and were
probably related to the Khmers. No inscription has been found for this temple,
but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle
period similar to Angkor Wat. The monument most likely dates from the same
period, or, perhaps, slightly later, although there are additions attributed to
the Bayon style. The proportions of Banteay Samre are plended. A unique feature
is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have
given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. All of the buildings around the moat
are on a raised base with horizontal moldings, decorated in some areas with
figures framed by lotus buds.
Source: Ministry of
Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia |
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