Innwa Ancient City (Ava)
Sagaing
Innwa, historically known as Ava, served as the imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Founded in 1365 by King Thado Minbya on a man-made island at the confluence of the Irrawaddy and Myitnge rivers, Innwa was strategically positioned in the fertile Kyaukse rice-growing district. The city's fortifications are uniquely barrel-shaped, believed to outline the figure of a seated Burmese lion called Chinthe, distinguishing it architecturally worldwide. The inner citadel, reconstructed multiple times, was designed to represent the Buddhist universe, with the royal palace placed centrally to symbolize the king's divine status akin to the Buddha. Innwa flourished as a cultural and political center, fostering Burmese literature and legal developments during the Ava Kingdom period. Despite suffering repeated destruction and abandonment after devastating earthquakes in 1839, the ruins remain a compelling site for visitors interested in Myanmar's royal past and architectural heritage.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Innwa Ancient City is during the cooler, dry season between November and February to avoid the intense heat and rains. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance if available and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical context. Modest entrance fee discounts may apply for students or groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as exploring the ruins involves some walking over uneven terrain.
Faits intéressants
- •Innwa's citadel is possibly the only barrel-shaped city fortification in the world.
- •The city was built on a man-made island formed by connecting the Irrawaddy and Myitnge rivers with canals.
- •Innwa was the capital of Burma on five separate occasions over nearly 360 years.
- •The city's inner citadel was designed to replicate the Buddhist universe in miniature, with the palace at its center symbolizing the Buddha.
- •The name 'Innwa' means 'mouth of the lake' or possibly 'nine lakes', referring to the surrounding water bodies.
- •Innwa was known as 'Ratanapura' in Pali, meaning 'City of Gems'.
- •European references to Burma often used the name 'Ava' derived from the local pronunciation 'Awa'.
- •The city was a flourishing center for Burmese literature and law during the Ava Kingdom period.
Histoire
Innwa was established in 1365 by King Thado Minbya as the capital of a unified Burmese kingdom, situated on a man-made island created by connecting two rivers with canals.
It served as the capital on five separate occasions over nearly 360 years until 1842.
The city was rebuilt multiple times after being sacked and suffered final abandonment following major earthquakes in 1839.
Innwa's design uniquely reflects Burmese cosmology and royal symbolism, with its barrel-shaped walls and central palace representing the Buddhist universe and the king's divine authority.
The city played a key role during the Ava Kingdom period, influencing Burmese culture, law, and literature.
Guide du lieu
Barrel-shaped Citadel Walls14th century
The unique zigzagged outer walls of Innwa form a barrel shape, widely believed to represent a seated Burmese lion called the Chinthe, symbolizing protection and strength.
Inner Citadel and Royal Palace1365 and reconstructed in 1597, 1763, 1832
The inner enclosure was laid out to replicate the Buddhist universe, with twelve gates and the royal palace at its center, symbolizing the Buddha and conferring divine status to the king.
Man-made Island Foundation1365
Innwa was built on an artificial island created by connecting the Irrawaddy and Myitnge rivers with canals, filling in swamplands and lakes to form the city’s base.