Banteay Srey
Banteay Srey, meaning "Citadel of Women" or "Citadel of Fortune," is a Hindu temple. Located 20 kilometers northeast of Bayon, this temple is situated within the site of the ancient city of Isvarapura, near Phnom Dei Mountain. With its exceptional preservation of architectural structures and mythological decorations, this place is often regarded as the jewel in the crown of Khmer culture. Its decorations are among the finest carvings at the Angkor site.
History
The Banteay Srey temple was first constructed around the 10th century, specifically in 967, during the reign of Jayavarman V. Since its construction, it has been entirely dedicated to the deity Shiva, also known as Tribhuvanamahesvara or the Lord of the Three Worlds.
With the arrival of archaeologists from the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), the temple was quickly cleared in 1924. Led by Henri Marchal, the EFEO team began the temple's restoration in 1931 using the method of anastylosis. It was the first temple to be restored using this method, benefiting from a complete renovation.
Later, the temple underwent significant restoration between 2010 and 2016 by a team from the University of Geneva and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Cambodian government, the project aimed primarily to repair the damage caused by runoff, looting, and vandalism.
Together with the Angkor archaeological site, Banteay Srey is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visiting Banteay Srey Temple
Covering a small area of approximately 45,000 square meters, Banteay Srey Temple is surrounded by moats and brick and laterite enclosure walls, like other Angkorian temples. It features three enclosures, each containing different structures.
Built with pink sandstone and laterite, this temple is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture. Although a smaller replica of this style, its structures stand as a treasure of Cambodian culture. During your visit, you can admire the magnificent decorations and the ingenious architectural style of the Angkorian people.
The enclosure walls of this site are completed on all four sides with entrance gates called gopuras, typical of Angkorian temples. Generally, the gates are located on the east and west sides. The second enclosure, measuring 38 meters in width and 42 meters in length, contains two such structures. Unlike the other enclosures, the pediments are beautifully decorated. You will also find a statue of the dancing god, Shiva Nataraja. The third and final enclosure has more complex and larger gopuras than the other two. They include two pillar-supported porches, a central cruciform hall, and two vestibule passages serving as galleries or libraries.
For lovers of ancient sculptures, Banteay Srey Temple is an open-air museum. Most of the masterpieces found here are recognized for their complexity and unique style. The sculptures depict mythological scenes from Khmer culture, featuring deities such as devatas or dvarapalas and symbolic creatures from the time of Shiva. The facades of the lintels, doors, gopuras, and stupas are finely sculpted with floral patterns and scenes from Hindu mythology. The columns are also heavily decorated with apsaras, sculptures of celestial nymphs.
How to get there
This temple is located about 32 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. By following the main road north from the city, you can reach Banteay Srey by car in 45 minutes.
Hours
The temple is open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
The Angkor site pass is valid for all of its ancient temples, including Banteay Srey.
