Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

Built in the 14th century, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the most important temple of Ayutthaya, known for its distinctive row of restored chedis (Thai-style stupas) found on many images of the city. Situated and housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the temple was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
Once being the largest temple in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is now famous for the line of three impressive chedi (stupas), which are prime examples of the quintessential Ayutthaya style that has been identified with Thai art. The only remaining three chedis built with excellent architectural skills, bury three kings’ bodies, which is Ayutthaya’s most artistic masterpiece. Inside the temple stands a grand Buddha statue of 16-metre height. It is praised as “The Second Angkor” by UNESCO. Royal temples for several Ayutthaya kings utilized this design. The temple once contained a 16m-high standing Buddha covered with 250kg of gold, which was melted down by the Burmese conquerors.