Two vastly different architectures are on display here at Wat Ratchanaddaram. The more familiar Thai style in the foreground, and the unique Loha Prasat in the background.
Loha Prasat was built in 1846 by request of King Nangklao (Rama III). The architecture was influenced by two similar temples found in India and Sri Lanka, but both of those have since fallen, leaving this at the last remaining example of this architecture in the world. It was submitted for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005, but has not yet received the designation.
It stands 36 m high and supports 37 metal spires representing the 37 virtues toward enlightenment. The temple has many concentric square levels built upon each other, and a relic of the Buddha is kept at the highest level.
We were able to walk around in the Loha Prasat and climbed the stairs to the Buddha at the top.
Location: Bangkok, Thailand