Potala Palace

China / Xizang / Lasa / Llasa, Tibete
 palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site, buddhist temple, 17th century construction, tourist attraction, religious museum
35 Beijing Middle Road
Chengguan, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000
www.potalapalace.cn/home.html

The Palace was built surrounding the mediation cave of King Songtsen Gampo of Seventh century Tibet. He is a king which unifies Tibetan tribe and adopt Buddhism as the officail religion of his state. The palace was built on top of the Marpo Ri hill and the hill looks like an elephant in sleeping pose. It is currently a biggest functional man made structure in Tibet and its under UNESCO world heritage listing.

Potala, The name derive from the name legendary adobe of Lord of compassion Avalokiteswara. Tibetan believes that there is a close tie between him and Tibetan, which is why we believe King Songtsen Gampo is manifestation of the lord himself. It also serve as an official resident to all the Tibetan rulers how ruled Tibet from Lhasa. The palace is further expanded by the great fifth Dalai Lama in 15th century.

The Potala like any other medieval architecture, is heavy at the bottom and light at the top. the thickness wall of the palace is said to be more them eight meters thick. we will see the example at the entrance of the palace. On the top it is design to be light and they used a sticks from straw to make the wall, which gives the stability and the strength. The Potala Palace is a great example of Tibetan architecture in seventh century. Some observer also says it has the functionality of aerodynamic against the strong wind of high altitude of Tibet. But i will leave this to your observation.
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Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potala_Palace
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Coordinates:   29°39'29"N   91°7'2"E

Comments

  • One of my greatest dreans is to visit this place.
  • I WISH I CAN SEE AND VISIT LHASA....!!!
  • Is the Potala open to tourists ?
  • Yes, the Potala is open to public.
  • it's like a heaven place...it OWSOME place.......... The city from d satlite looks very butifullllllllll 23-09-2012