Wat Arun, Thailand

Wat Arun, Thailand also known as the Temple of Dawn

Originally known as Wat Makok, meaning ‘the Olive Temple’, Wat Arun was built during the days of the ancient capital of Ayuttaya. Wat Arunratchawararam, shortly called Wat Arun, offers breathtaking views at sunset time from the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River. Perhaps owing to this fact, it is also known as ‘the Temple of Dawn’. Stamped on post cards, Wat Arun is an outstanding monument that is worth visiting during a tour to Bangkok.

King Rama II started constructing this majestic temple in early 19th century and later it was completed by Rama III. The central prang built as a Khmer-style pagoda, standing with a height of 80 meters, is the main attraction of Wat Arun. The bell-shaped central prang is said to symbolize the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe and home of the gods.

Wat Arun is surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs, which are beautifully adorned with seashells, pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Wat Arun is home to various statues of ancient Chinese soldiers, animals and the Hindu god Indra.

Looking at the two temple guardian figures or the so-called demons at the front side of Wat Arun will enthrall you. Entry is chargeable and the ticket costs around 30 Bahts per person for foreign visitors. There is no entry fee for Thai citizens.

Windsor Castle, England

Windsor Castle, England – The official residence of the Queen of England

The magnificent 900-year-old Windsor Castle is the official residence of the Queen and the world’s largest working castle. It was built by William the Conqueror.

The state apartments in particular house some of the rarest collections of art and paintings in the world. The works of legends of the stature of Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein and Dyck adorn the parapets, and are nicely complimented by stunning British furniture and chinaware.

The St. George’s Chapel built by Edward IV is a great piece of Gothic architecture. The St. George’s Hall too is a wonderful place to visit, which has been fully restored post the 1992 fire. Every year, the Queen resides at Windsor Castle for a month during the month of Easter. The Queen also resides here during the month of June for a week to attend the Order to the Garter as well as the prestigious Royal Ascot Race.

As far as state visits are concerned, the Windsor Place is the ultimate venue where the Queen hosts the traditional State Banquet at the grandiose St. George’s Hall. It is a scene to behold. The manner is which foreign Heads of State are driven to this magnificent Castle in regal horse drawn carriages where a spectacular military guard of honor awaits the dignitary. The majestic St. George’s Chapel does not owe allegiance to the archbishop though prayers and services are conducted.. Instead, the chapel is directly under the sovereign.

Being a working castle, there are quite a few people belonging to the exclusive Castle Community who reside within the castle’s premises. For instance, the titular head of the castle community, the castle constable, Governor and Dean of the Castle to name just a few are residents of the castle.

Apart from witnessing the magnificent royal décor in the interiors of the castle, visitors can also see the grand spectacle of “changing of the guards” that takes place every day from April to June and every alternate day from July to March.

Most visitors to the castle are intrigued by the riveting Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. It is an amazing doll’s house which is all of six feet high and the interiors are stacked with chinaware, glassware, skillfully embroidered linen, mini furniture, etc.

Durham Castle in England

Durham Castle at northeast England in UK

Durham Castle is a Norman castle located in northeast England in the United Kingdom. Built under the order of William the Conqueror beginning in 1072, the castle now houses University College of Durham.

After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Normans sought to show their power in northern England and protect themselves from local threats, as well as invasions from the Scots and Danes. This castle was built to house the Bishop of Durham, who would follow orders from the king from the castle. The Earl of Northumberland Waltheof supervised the construction until he rebelled against the king and was later executed in 1076. The Bishop of Durham, Walcher then took control, becoming the first Prince-Bishop of Durham, giving Durham a unique status. The castle was eventually donated to the University of Durham by Bishop Edward Maltby in 1837.

Major features of the castle include a motte (mound) and an inner and outer bailey (walled areas). Records are unclear as to whether the castle was first a wooden structure or stone. The tower was likely originally wood, but many buildings were made from stone. Also, there may have been an Anglo-Saxon structure there prior to the castle. The relics and remains of three saints can be found at the castle.

Since 1840, Durham Castle has been home to University College, Durham. The general public can take tours of Durham Castle, and about 100 students reside in the castle dorms. The Great Hall serves as a dining area. The castle also holds the library, conference rooms, offices, and other school facilities.