Dechencholing Palace, Royal palace in Thimphu, Bhutan
Dechencholing Palace is a three-story building on the western bank of Thimphu Chhu, featuring traditional Bhutanese architecture with whitewashed walls and intricately carved wooden windows. The structure combines classical elements with elaborate decorations that display the skilled craftsmanship typical of the kingdom.
The building was commissioned in 1953 by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck shortly after his coronation as the third monarch of Bhutan. The palace marks an important moment in the country's modern history and royal development.
The palace serves as a center for religious ceremonies and official state functions throughout the year. Within its walls, the private chapel displays detailed paintings and carvings that reflect the spiritual importance of the place.
The palace stands approximately 4 kilometers north of Tashichho Dzong and about 7 kilometers from central Thimphu, with its exterior visible throughout the day. The best views of the building come from the roadside, making it an easily accessible spot for visitors interested in exploring traditional architecture.
The palace houses an embroidery school founded in 1957, where young monks learn traditional Bhutanese needlework techniques under royal support. This craft has remained an enduring tradition, showing how the royal compound actively passed on cultural skills across generations.
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