Mandalay Palace
Mandalay
Mandalay Palace, located in Mandalay, Myanmar, was the last royal residence of the Burmese monarchy, constructed between 1857 and 1859 by King Mindon as part of founding the new capital city. The palace complex follows traditional Burmese architectural design, enclosed within a fortified citadel surrounded by a wide moat and high walls with gold-tipped spires. All palace buildings are single-storey, with the number of spires indicating their importance. It served as the royal residence for King Mindon and King Thibaw until the British captured it in 1885 during the Third Anglo-Burmese War, ending the monarchy. The British renamed the compound Fort Dufferin and used it militarily. Much of the original palace was destroyed during World War II by Allied bombing, leaving only the royal mint and watchtower. Reconstruction efforts began in 1989, using a combination of traditional and modern materials, resulting in a faithful replica that preserves the palace's historical layout and cultural significance. Today, Mandalay Palace stands as a major tourist attraction and a potent symbol of Burmese sovereignty and identity.
ヒント: Visitors should plan to visit during the cooler dry season months for a more comfortable experience. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance where possible to avoid queues. Modest dress is recommended to respect the cultural significance of the site. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the palace's history and architecture. Photography is generally allowed but check for any restricted areas. Visitors can explore the surrounding moat and walls for panoramic views. Consider combining the visit with nearby historic sites such as Shwenandaw Monastery, the only surviving original palace structure.
興味深い事実
- •The palace compound originally covered 413 hectares, surrounded by four walls each 2 km long and a moat 64 m wide and 4.5 m deep.
- •Each of the twelve gates of the palace walls represented a zodiac sign, a unique feature of the citadel's design.
- •The British removed the Burmese royal regalia during the 1885 conquest and displayed them in London until their return in 1964.
- •Only the royal mint and watchtower survived the extensive bombing during World War II; the rest of the palace was destroyed.
- •The current palace is a 1990s reconstruction using modern materials like concrete and corrugated metal roofing, differing from the original teak wood construction.
歴史
Mandalay Palace was constructed between 1857 and 1859 by King Mindon as the centerpiece of the newly founded city of Mandalay, relocating elements from the former Amarapura palace.
The palace compound was designed as a fortified citadel with extensive walls, a moat, and twelve gates each marked with zodiac signs.
In 1885, during the Third Anglo-Burmese War, the British army captured the palace, ending the Burmese monarchy and converting the site into Fort Dufferin.
The palace was heavily damaged during World War II bombings, with only a few structures surviving.
Reconstruction began in 1989, combining traditional Burmese design with modern building techniques to restore the palace as a cultural monument and tourist attraction.
場所ガイド
Great Audience Hall1859
The main hall where the king held court and received dignitaries, symbolizing royal authority and governance.
Lion Throne1859
The throne symbolizing the Burmese monarchy's power, originally housed in the Great Audience Hall.
Watchtower1859
One of the few original structures to survive WWII bombings, it was used for palace surveillance and defense.
Shwenandaw MonasteryLate 19th century
Originally part of the palace, this wooden monastery was dismantled and relocated; it is the only major surviving original wooden structure from the old palace.