Ta Prohm, Buddhist temple ruins in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Ta Prohm is a sprawling temple complex in the jungle of Siem Reap where stone walls and towers merge with the roots of giant trees. The structure consists of several walled courtyards, galleries with flat roofs, and narrow passages that wind between the toppled stones.
A king of the Khmer Empire built the temple in the late 12th century as a monastery and place of learning, dedicating it to his mother. After the empire's decline, the complex was abandoned and the jungle grew through the buildings.
The name means Ancestor Brahma and reflects the religious importance of the complex for the Khmer Empire. Visitors today see monks performing ceremonies in the preserved sections and can examine inscriptions on the walls that describe daily life in the monastery.
The paths between the stones are uneven and sometimes slippery, so sturdy footwear and slow walking are recommended. A visit usually takes one to two hours depending on how much time you spend exploring individual sections.
Restoration teams deliberately chose to leave the trees and stonework in their intertwined state to show the power of nature. Some roots take the shape of serpents and grow over doorways and windows like living sculptures.
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