Angkor Wat temple, architectural masterpiece of the Khmer Empire, situated near Siem Reap in North-western Cambodia is one of the most visited temple in the world (more than 2 million visitors in 2016). Here are 10 fun facts below about Angkor Wat temple.
1. The central tower of Angkor Wat is aligned with sunrise twice a year in March and September during the winter and spring equinox.
Angkor Wat sunrise Spring equinox (March 2016)
2. The artificial moat surrounding the temple provides stability to the structure by keeping constant the humidity of the sandy ground below.
3. Contrary to the other Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is facing West.
4. Angkor Wat counts about 1700 delicate carvings of topless celestial dancers called Devatas.
5. The first pictures of Angkor Wat were taken in 1866 by John Thomson.
6. Angkor Wat was during the 12th century the largest city on Earth with an estimated population of nearly 1,000,000.
7. Angkor Wat has four entrances but only the west and the east are accessible.
8. Angkor Wat was built as heaven on earth with its fives towers representing Mont Meru and its moat the ocean.
9. Since 2013, you can visit the entire temple complex of Angkor Wat from your smartphone using Google Street View.
10. Angkor Wat central sanctuary is made of an iron core (coming from laterite, a porous stone containing iron oxide).
