 The
Silver Pagoda was constructed in 1892 by King Norodom to house the
ashes of the royal family. Among its many treasures is a gold buddha
weighing 90 pounds and covered with an astonishing array of over
9000 diamonds. In later years the Silver Pagoda, which was made
of wood, suffered extensive damage. It was rebuilt in 1962 by King
Sihanouk out of more permanent materials. The king spared no expense,
covering the floor with a lavish series of 5,000 silver tiles. The
pagoda was looted during the Khmer Rouge years, but the Cambodian
government has made an effort to restore the pagoda to its original
splendor.
|
