King Naray's palace
Sorasak Street, Lop Buri, Thailand
Description:
The famous Lopburi Palace was built as the summer residence of King Naray, who ruled here from 1656-1688. The large palace complex is located near the city center, on the bank of the river of the same name. There were many Europeans in Siam at the time, so the buildings reflect the influence of Italian and French architects involved in the construction.
Like all Thai palaces, the complex is divided into three zones: the "outer court", which served for most state and administrative functions, the "middle", where the king met with his ministers and dignitaries, and the "inner court", where no one but the king was allowed.
In front of the main entrance to the palace complex is a long row of brick buildings that were once warehouses for the storage of the Kingdom's products, as well as gifts and tributes from Siam's neighbours, the European powers. In addition, in the outer courtyard there are the ruins of two other large structures used to receive foreign visitors. Passing between them, you can get to the Savan Pavilion, which was once the main throne room of King Narai.