The Potala Palace appears first in the list of the group of most important cultural historical monuments Tibet, protected by the state. Potala is a palace-castle unique in the world in terms of its alpine location and size; its image is the emblem of Lhasa and all of Tibet. Potala Palace is an imperishable and magnificent monument of ancient Tibetan architecture. In December 1994, the Potala Palace was officially included in the World Heritage List cultural heritage UNESCO.
The Potala Palace was built on the southern slope of the Red Mountain in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. The back side of the Potala Palace rests on the mountainside, has a trapezoidal shape, tapering at the top; against the background of the blue sky and white clouds of Tibet, the palace, painted in white and red, looks like a majestic, fairy-tale castle.
What does the name of the Potala Palace mean? In Tibetan, “potala” is translated as “the habitat of Avalokiteshvara”; in India, “potalaka”. And the mountain on which the Potala Palace is located is called Puto in religious literature, and is considered sacred because, as legend says, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara appeared on this mountain. Interestingly, in China, in the Zhejiang province, there is a second mountain, Putuo (普陀山, Putuoshan), which is sacred for the same reason.
The Potala Palace from the base rises 119 meters in height, the length from east to west is 350 meters, the width from north to south is 270 meters, the construction area is 130 thousand square meters, and together with the front courtyard and the pond behind the palace, total area The Potala palace complex is 360 thousand square meters!
The construction of the Potala Palace began in the 30s of the 7th century AD. According to historical sources, the Tufan leader Srontsangampo decided to make Lhasa his capital. First of all, he ordered to build on the top of the Red Mountain in Lhasa, where there were already his meditation caves, royal palace. After the betrothal to Tang princess Wencheng took place and Wencheng arrived in Tibet, Sronzangampo built 999 rooms on Red Mountain. Together with the previously built palace, the result was a complex of thousands of rooms! In addition, a wall was erected around it with a length of 500 meters on each side. There were 4 gates in the wall, decorated with turrets, and a bypass channel was dug. Unfortunately, in the second half of the 8th century, due to lightning, the wooden buildings of the Potala Palace burned down. In addition, at the end of the existence of the Tufan kingdom, an internecine war of local tribes broke out, which led to the destruction of the original Potala palace. Only the Favan Cave and the Pabalakan Hall have survived.
The Potala Palace we see today was built over several centuries, starting in the 17th century. Dalai Lama 5th Agwan Lobsan Jamtso, in 1645, gave the order to restore the destroyed Potala Palace. In 1652, the 5th Dalai traveled to Beijing. Upon returning to Tibet, the 5th Dalai moved from his former abode - Drepung Monastery to the now completed White Palace of the Potala. It is interesting that after the reincarnation of the 5th Dalai Lama, no one dared to inform the people about this, as the rulers were afraid that the people would rebel and stop working on the construction of the Potala Palace. The power of the 5th Dalai Lama was so strong that his reincarnation was hidden for more than 10 years in order to complete the construction of the palace.
In 1690, on the 8th year after the death of the 5th Dalai, Disa Sanjie Jamtso, in the name of the 5th Dalai Lama, undertook the construction of the Red Palace and memorial stupas in the Potala complex, for which part of the dilapidated buildings was demolished. 7 thousand craftsmen and workers were employed in the work, 2,134 thousand liang (1 liang = 150 grams) of silver were spent, by order of the Qing Emperor Kangxi, 114 Han and Manchu masters were sent to the construction, and Nepalese craftsmen also took part in the work. In 1693, the work was completed, and on the 20th day of the 4th month according to the Tibetan calendar, the consecration of the Red Palace took place. A memorial pillar was erected in front of the facade of the Potala Palace to commemorate the completion of construction. Since then, there have been no major changes in the layout of the Potala Palace.
When you enter the gates of the palace from the square in front of the Potala Palace, you find yourself inside a courtyard, fenced on three sides by a high wall. Directly to the north is a wide stone staircase. From here you can see the eastern entrance and the western entrance. The main entrance is the eastern entrance (pintsodolan in Tibetan). Entering it and passing through a dark stepped corridor, you find yourself in Deyanxia. This is a flat area measuring 1600 square meters at the entrance to White Palace. Here they arranged for the Dalai Lama, high clergy and officials theatrical performances. There are galleries on the southern and northern sides of the site, rooms on the eastern and western sides served as classrooms for titled monks, and the entrance directly facing west is the main entrance to the White Palace of the Potala.
White Palace Potala
The White Palace of the Potala is located east of the Red Palace; the White Palace contains the Great Eastern Pavilion, the Solar Pavilion, the living quarters of the regent and mentors of the Dalai, and government offices.
Great Eastern Pavilion(Tsotsinxia in Tibetan) is the largest pavilion of the White Palace. Important events of a political and religious nature were held here, in particular the enthronement ceremonies of the Dalai Lamas. In the center of the pavilion, near the northern wall, is the throne of the Dalai Lama. There are many frescoes on the walls of the pavilion, two groups of frescoes are of particular interest: the murals on the theme of “the transformation of a monkey into a man” and the murals telling the story of Princess Jincheng.
Solar Pavilion located at the top of the Great East Pavilion. There are two solar pavilions: eastern and western. They served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas. The Western Solar Pavilion was built in the later years of the 13th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama spent most of the year (summer and autumn) at the summer residence of Norbulingka, and the Potala Palace served as his winter Palace.
It was in this pavilion that the Dalai Lama spent time reading sacred texts, administrative affairs and vital functions. The western solar pavilion contained the living quarters of the 13th Dalai Lama, and the eastern solar pavilion contained the chambers of the 14th Dalai Lama. The pavilion contains a golden statue of Buddha, a figure of Avalokiteshvara made of jasper, scrolls of sacred sutras, porcelain, tea set made of gold and jasper, brocade blankets, etc.
Red Potala Palace
The Red Palace served as a place of prayer in the name of Buddha and other religious functions; the main premises of the Red Palace are pavilions with memorial stupas of the Dalai Lamas and religious premises for other purposes. In total, there are 8 memorial stupas in the Red Potala Palace, the most luxurious of which are the stupas of the 5th Dalai Lama and the 13th Dalai Lama. The size and splendor of the stupa symbolizes the contribution to the development of the country and society made by this Dalai Lama. In addition, the Red Palace of the Potala houses numerous religious monuments and elaborate items made of precious stones and metals, skillfully made carvings, rare editions of sacred texts, as well as sculptures of Buddhist saints, thangka icons, cult attributes, sacrificial utensils, and so on. In the fresco gallery on the fifth floor of the Red Potala Palace there is a whole group of frescoes reproducing episodes from the construction of the Potala Palace.
Stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama occupies the 4th floor, but the height itself is equal to a 5-story building! At 14.85 meters high, this stupa, made of pure gold, is the tallest of the stupas of the Potala Palace. They say that the design and contents of this stupa are equal to half the wealth of all mankind.
The second tallest stupa is Stupa of the 13th Dalai Lama. The start of construction of the stupa dates back to 1934; construction took 3 years. The height of the stupa is 14 meters, on the inner wall of the pavilion there is a fresco dedicated to the life of the 13th Dalai Lama, including an episode of the Dalai Lama's trip to Beijing, where he was received by Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi.
West Great Hall(in Tibetan "Sysipintso") is located to the east of the stupa pavilions, its area is 680 square meters. This is the most spacious hall of the Red Palace in the entire Potala Palace. In this hall, the 5th Dalai Lama held receptions, sacrifices, etc. The western hall also houses a pair of brocade panels woven from gold threads, which were presented by the Chinese Emperor in 1696 on the occasion of the completion of the Red Potala Palace. There is also a banner donated by Emperor Qianlong with the emperor's autograph and the inscription "A place that exudes paradise." This banner is located above the throne of the Dalai Lama.
In the highest pavilion of the Red Potala Palace in the hall western wall installed Statue of eleven-faced and thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, which was made of pure gold and silver by order of the 13th Dalai Lama.
Of the earliest buildings of the Potala Palace, only the Favana Cave (“Jujiezhupu”) and the Pabalakan Pavilion have survived. Favana Cave with an area of 27 square meters, it is distinguished by modest decoration. According to legend, the Tufan king Srontszamgambo himself comprehended sacred texts in this cave. In the cave there are statues of Sronzangambo, Princess Wencheng, Princess Chizul, Ludongzang - persons famous from the time of the Tufan kingdom. In addition, utensils (hearth, stone vat, stupa), which, according to legend, were used by Srontsangambo, have been preserved. Pabalakan Pavilion also called the Avalokiteshvara Pavilion, it is located above the Favana Cave.
The pavilions with the stupas of the 7th, 8th, 9th Dalai Lamas, as well as the pavilions with the stupas of the 5th and 13th Dalai Lamas, have roofs completely covered with gilding. The same golden roofs crown the Pabalakan and Ramlakan pavilions. All together they form a brilliant ensemble of golden roofs. Most roofs have the traditional Chinese roof shape with soaring corners. On the roof ridges there are decorations in the form of bell-shaped monasteries, which rest on lotus pedestals. The soaring corner roof structures are decorated with figures of mythical Buddhist animals.
The Potala Palace is a treasure trove of priceless artefacts and works of art, as well as historical monuments. Even for frescoes, dyes made from precious metals and stones were used. These frescoes amaze with their brightness and freshness. The Potala Palace houses about 10 thousand tanka icons, most of which were created by prominent artists of antiquity. A rich collection of editions of sacred texts, many of which are executed at a high artistic level and are truly considered a work of art. Quite a few publications are unique. There are about 100 canon scrolls made in palm leaves and brought from Ancient India and other places. The earliest text on palm leaves goes back thousands of years. The technique of publishing sacred texts includes handwriting with gold and silver ink, applying gold coating to the text, made in raised font. For example, there is an edition of “Ganchzhur”, made with dyes made from gold, pearls, silver, corals, iron powder, copper dust and seashells. The paper on which the text is written is resistant to moisture, rotting and damage by insects, durable and at the same time elastic.
The Potala Palace is a great creation of the Tibetan people and the center of their culture. It embodied the achievements of the Tibetans in architecture, sculpture, painting, metalworking and other fields of science and art. It can well be called a museum of science and culture of Ancient Tibet. In addition, the Potala Palace captures the history of economic and cultural contacts between Tibetans and other nationalities of China, Nepal and India. The Potala Palace is the pride of the Tibetan people and the world cultural heritage of all humanity. Also, the palace is often seen by foreigners who go on a tour of Tibet.
Potala Palace V Lhasa city V Tibet — royal palace And Buddhist temple complex , was the main residence of the Dalai Lama. Located at an altitude of 3767 meters above sea level. No palace in the world is located as high as the Potala. The palace got its name from the name sacred mountain, located in India, where, according to legend, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvar (Guanyin) lives.
According to legend, the Potala Palace was built in the 7th century by the Tufan king Sronzangambo for his future wife, the Tang princess Wencheng. Stretching along the mountainside from the foot to the top, it unites 1000 buildings of Tibetan architecture. After the fall of the Tufan dynasty from military invasions, most of the halls of the palace were destroyed; their reconstruction began in 1645, when the Qing government established the Fifth Dalai Lama as the ruler of Tibet. His successors continued to work on expanding the Potala Palace, and this is how it appears today.
The palace is divided into two parts - Pozhangabo and Pozhangmabo. Pozhangabo in the east serves as the residence of the Dalai Lamas. Pozhangmabo in the center houses Buddhist halls and funerary pagoda stupas. The white houses in the west are inhabited by monks and servants. In front of Pozhangmabo there is a place to display the image of Buddha in holidays. The main building of the Potala Palace has 13 floors.
Potala Palace - sacred place Tibetan Buddhism, every year it is visited by a great number of pilgrims and tourists. The ascent to the Potala usually begins from a gap stele at the foot of the mountain; along a winding stone path you can reach east gate with the image of four alohans and through the 4-meter palace wall you get into a magnificent pavilion. In the middle of the mountain, a grandiose terrace of 1600 square meters opens up to your eyes. m, where the Dalai Lama addressed the believers. From here you go up the corridor to the largest pavilion in Pozhangabo, Tsoqinxia. According to historical records, since 1653, when the Qing Emperor Shunzhi awarded the Fifth Dalai Lama with a gold letter and seal and the central government approved his elevation to the rank of saint, solemn religious ceremonies have been held here.
The main building of the Pozhangmabo part form 8 tombs - funeral pagodas-stupas. The largest and most luxurious is the funeral pagoda of the Fifth Dalai Lama. It is covered with gold leaf, for which 3,721 kilograms were spent, and inlaid with precious stones. The largest pavilion, Pozhangmabo, displays a plaque with the inscription of the Qing Emperor Qianlong and magnificent curtains donated by the Qing Emperor Kangxi. According to legend, to make these curtains, Emperor Kangxi ordered the construction of a special workshop; it took a whole year to weave them. From here, through the gallery you can get to the most ancient part of the palace - the Snoyagal Pavilion, where sculptures of King Srontsangambo, Princess Wencheng and dignitaries are kept. In the highest pavilion, Sasronlanjie, sacrifices were made to the image and memorial tablets of the Qing Emperor Qianlong. After the death of the Fifth Dalai Lama, his successors performed sacrifices here on New Year's days according to the Tibetan calendar.
White Palace Potala located east of the Red Palace, the White Palace has the Great Eastern Pavilion, the Solar Pavilion, the living quarters of the regent and mentors of the Dalai, and government offices.
Great Eastern Pavilion(Tsotsinxia in Tibetan) is the largest pavilion of the White Palace. Important events of a political and religious nature were held here, in particular the enthronement ceremonies of the Dalai Lamas. In the center of the pavilion, near the northern wall, is the throne of the Dalai Lama. There are many frescoes on the walls of the pavilion, two groups of frescoes are of particular interest: the murals on the theme of “the transformation of a monkey into a man” and the murals telling the story of Princess Jincheng.
Solar pavilion located at the top of the Great East Pavilion. There are two solar pavilions: eastern and western. They served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas. The Western Solar Pavilion was built in the later years of the 13th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama spent most of the year (summer and autumn) at the summer residence of Norbulingka, and the Potala Palace served as his winter Palace.
It was in this pavilion that the Dalai Lama spent time reading sacred texts, administrative affairs and vital functions. The western solar pavilion contained the living quarters of the 13th Dalai Lama, and the eastern solar pavilion contained the chambers of the 14th Dalai Lama. The pavilion contains a golden statue of Buddha, a figure of Avalokiteshvara made of jasper, scrolls of sacred sutras, porcelain, tea set made of gold and jasper, brocade blankets, etc.
Red Palace served as a place of prayer in the name of Buddha and other religious functions; the main premises of the Red Palace are pavilions with memorial stupas of the Dalai Lamas and religious premises for other purposes. In total, there are 8 memorial stupas in the Red Potala Palace, the most luxurious of which are the stupas of the 5th Dalai Lama and the 13th Dalai Lama. The size and splendor of the stupa symbolizes the contribution to the development of the country and society made by this Dalai Lama. In addition, the Red Palace of the Potala houses numerous religious monuments and elaborate items made of precious stones and metals, skillfully made carvings, rare editions of sacred texts, as well as sculptures of Buddhist saints, thangka icons, cult attributes, sacrificial utensils, and so on. In the fresco gallery on the fifth floor of the Red Potala Palace there is a whole group of frescoes reproducing episodes from the construction of the Potala Palace.
Dalai Lama Stupa The 5th occupies the 4th floor, but the height itself is equal to a 5-story building! At 14.85 meters high, this stupa, made of pure gold, is the tallest of the stupas of the Potala Palace. They say that the design and contents of this stupa are equal to half the wealth of all mankind.
Granite walls, golden roofs, graceful cornices with their gilded decorations make the Potala Palace indescribably magnificent and majestic. The colorful wall paintings in it depict Buddhas and alohans, truthfully reproduce the life and work of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the ceremonial entry of Tang Princess Wencheng into Tibet, reflect the development of Tibetan Buddhism, and ancient Tibetan culture. Ancient architectural ensemble- the Potala Palace is the fruit of the mind and talent of the people, evidence of cultural ties between the Tibetans and Han Chinese, an indestructible symbol of Tibet.
Numerous pilgrims walk around the hill with the palace, making kora - ritual circumambulation holy place. Along the bark there are numerous prayer wheels and shopping arcades.
The unique ancient Potala Palace is located in the center of the capital of Tibet - Lhasa, on geographical altitude 3767 m above sea level. This monumental building of antiquity is recognized as the tallest palace in the world. Its first buildings date back to the 6th century, and it acquired its complete current appearance by the 17th century after numerous reconstructions and expansions. The complex of buildings was built in the architectural traditions of Tibet and is rightfully the greatest creation of Tibetan architects. Foreign tourists coming to China have the opportunity to visit the palace, where today there is a large-scale local history museum.
Potala Palace in Tibet - residence of the Dalai Lama
The palace acquired the name Potala in the 11th century after the name of the sacred mountain in India, the abode of the Bodhisattva of Compassion - Avalokiteshvara, whose earthly incarnation is the Dalai Lama. Numerous halls and structures were intended for a wide variety of events and ceremonies. But above all, the Potala Palace in Lhasa served as the residence of the Dalai Lama and his extensive staff.
Until 1959, it was the main residence of the Buddhist high priest, when the Chinese army invaded Tibet. Then the Dalai Lama was forced to leave the country, receiving political asylum in India. Most of the monks were expelled, with the exception of a few who were allowed to remain in the Potala under strict supervision. The palace building and its valuables were not damaged and today are open for visits and inspection.
What does the Potala Palace look like in Tibet?
The Potala Palace in the photo looks monumental and majestic. Its trapezoidal buildings were erected on the slope of the Red Mountain in Lhasa, harmoniously connecting the granite palace walls and the mountainous terrain into a single whole. The palace building has 9 floors, although in the photograph from the street where the Potala Palace is depicted, it seems that the number of floors is 13.
The palace complex includes the Red Palace (Potrang Marpo) at its center and two pavilions of the White Palace. The central part of the Potala Palace is red-brown, like the robes of lamas. Its premises were used for prayers and religious ceremonies. The apartments of the Dalai Lama and the tombs of his predecessors were also located here, and the main Lamaist shrines were kept. Potrang Marpo is characterized by halls with complex layouts and a large number of galleries of different levels, connected by narrow winding passages.
The color of the White Palace, visible in the photo, symbolizes peace and quiet. It consists of the Great East Pavilion with spacious halls for important receptions and ceremonies, as well as the Sun Pavilion located above it, which served as the premises where the Dalai Lama lived and worked. On the territory of the White Palace there are two chapels dating back to the 7th century - the oldest surviving buildings.
Potala Palace in Lhasa with a rich collection of exhibits in photographs and pictures
For many centuries, the ancient Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet has served as a repository for a large number of valuable relics: painted frescoes, gilded stupas, thangka scrolls, sculptures and rare sutras. The collection also includes paintings, wood carvings, gold and jade items. In general, the museum exhibition in the photo consists of attributes of Buddhist rituals and gifts presented to the Dalai Lama.
The walls of the palace are covered with thousands of square meters of colorful frescoes. They depict scenes from mythology and Buddhist legends, genre pictures telling about folk customs, as well as portraits of historical figures: rulers, Dalai Lamas and enlightened figures ancient Tibet. The wall paintings tell the story of the traditions and lifestyle of the Tibetans in the distant past.
The thangka scrolls from the photograph are written on thin paper, silk or cotton fabric. They are dedicated to various religious themes and historical events. Copies of thangka depicting the Tibetan astronomical calendar, as well as sayings on a medical topic, are educational in nature.
The statues in the photo from the Potala Palace in Lhasa are sculpted images of Buddhist deities and historical figures. They are created in the combined traditions of Chinese, Indian and Nepalese arts. Standout statues include Songtsen Gampa, the many-faced goddess Guanyin, and princesses Wencheng and Chitsun. The most revered artifact, popular with thousands of visitors from all over the world, is the Potala statue, completely covered with 550 kg of gold leaf and inlaid with precious stones.
The extensive library located at the Potala Palace in Lhasa is of great value to historians and researchers. It contains unique books on the topics of Buddhism, medicine and astronomy. These sources contain interesting and useful information in history, economics, political structure and the culture of Tibet. Some examples of classical Buddhist scriptures written in liquid gold are truly priceless.
The procedure for tourists to visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
The Potala Palace is the center of Tibetan history, culture, religion and art. This ancient site is listed as a world heritage site according to UNESCO lists. While remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, it is currently major museum culture and local history of Tibet, actively visited by tourists. Travelers should definitely visit the Potala Palace when visiting China.
Since to this day it is a religious building in Tibet, a number of rules and restrictions have been established when visiting the Potala Palace. Tickets at the box office in front of the gates of the White Palace are sold only the next day after the application for a visit. In this case, it is necessary to provide a free certificate received at the time of order confirming the identity of the visitor. Ticket prices vary depending on the season. Children and people over 70 years old have free admission.
The route for tourists is strictly established. The time of visits is also limited: you can visit the Potala Palace for no more than one hour. During your visit, you must follow a number of rules:
- visitors are only allowed to enter from the main East entrance;
- you cannot smoke, step on thresholds, or walk around the hall wearing a hat or sunglasses;
- Photography is only allowed outside the palace.
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- and its attractions
– priceless treasure Tibet, sami th tall ancientpalace in China, and throughout the world, whose height reaches 3,767 m (12,359 ft). It is located on Red Hill – Marpo Ri to the center e Lhasa – and historical capital of Tibet. The Potala gets its name from a holy mountain in South India in Sanskrit, “The Abode of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Mercy).”
The palace was built on the spot where the ruler of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, used to meditate. The first structure was built here in 637. Later, he decides to make Lhasa the capital of Tibet and, as legend has it, in honor of his betrothal to Princess Wen Cheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) in the 7th century, Songtsen Gampo built a 9-story building - a palace with thousands of rooms.
Later, with the collapse of the Songtsen Gampa dynasty, ancient palace was almost destroyed in the wars. The image we see today is the architecture of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). The Potala Palace consists of 2 parts, the Red Palace - the center and the White Palace, located as two wings. 
Red Palace or Potrang Marpo- the highest part of the Palace, it is dedicated to teaching and religious Buddhist prayers.
As intended, it represents majesty and strength. The Red Palace consists of a complex arrangement of various halls, chapels and libraries on many levels with many small galleries and winding corridors: The Great West Hall, the Dharma Cave, the Saint's Chapel, the Tomb of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, etc.
The Great West Hall - the largest hall of the Potala Palace , with beautiful frescoes on its interior walls. Around it are three chapels, the chapels of the East, the chapels of the North, and also the chapels of the South. Dharma Cave and the Saint's Chapel are the only two surviving 7th-century structures with statues of Songtsen Gampa and Princess Wen Cheng inside.
White Palace or Potrang Karpo once served as the local government office building as well as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Its walls are painted white to convey peace and quiet. Big hall East on the fourth floor was the venue for special political and religious events.
The fifth and sixth floors are used as living quarters and offices for the regents while the seventh floor, the top one, is the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, consisting of two parts called the East Sunshine Chamber and the West Sunshine Chamber due to the abundance of sunlight.
The Potala Palace has other structures, including schools of Buddhist logic, seminaries, printing houses, gardens, courtyards and even prisons. For over 300 years, the palace has housed many cultural relics such as frescoes, stupas, statues, thangkas and rare sutras.
Potala Palace today
- the center of Tibetan religion, politics, history and art, and today - a large-scale museum of local history. It houses more than 2,500 square meters of frescoes, about 1,000 stupas, more than 10,000 sculptures and about 10,000 thangka paintings. The collection also includes paintings, wood carvings, classical scriptures, gold items, jade and local handicrafts that reflect the wisdom and intelligence of the Tibetans. Funeral stupas here are built to preserve the remains of the Dalai Lamas at the time of their death.
There are currently eight luxurious stupas, one for each Dalai Lama except the sixth, who was removed from that service. Funerary stupas differ in size, but have the same structure, consisting of an upper part, a body and a base. All stupas are decorated with gold and precious stones. The most majestic of all is the stupa of the fifth Dalai Lama.
It stands almost 15 meters (about 49 feet) in height, and is decorated with 15,000 pearls, carnelian and precious stones. Murals in the corridors depict historical figures, religious legends, Buddhist stories, folk customs and architecture.
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Hidden from the bustle and noise of the world by a ridge of the most high mountains globe Tibet has been attracting travelers since ancient times. This is one of ancient states world with its unusual charter and order, rich history and cultural heritage. And it is not surprising that it is in Tibet that the highest castle complex in the world is located - the Potala Palace. It received its name in the 11th century thanks to the mountain on which it is located. It is called Puto; according to legend, it was here that Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is considered the embodiment of the great compassion of all enlightened ones (Buddhas), first appeared.
History of the construction of the palace
The Potala Palace was first built in the second half of the 7th century at an altitude of almost four thousand meters above sea level by the Tufan ruler Sronzangamp as the main imperial residence for him and his newly-made wife Princess Wencheng. Before this, there were already meditation caves here. The entire palace complex, consisting of thousands of halls and rooms, was surrounded by a high fortress wall, and it was possible to enter through four gates.
During a severe thunderstorm, most of the wooden buildings of the palace were incinerated by lightning.
Only in the mid-17th century did the V Dalai Lama Agwan Lobsan Jamtso decide to completely restore the palace to its former grandeur. As a result, arose grandiose complex with courtyards, wide stone staircases, chapels, surrounded by high walls and occupying an area of about three hundred and sixty thousand square meters.
Architecture and interiors
About seven thousand builders and another fifteen hundred sculptors and artists were involved in this reconstruction, creating unique statues and sculptural compositions. Central among them is the statue of the Potala, completely covered in gold and weighing half a ton. In addition, silver, precious stones and valuable wood were widely used in the construction and decoration of the palace.
The fact that the Potala Palace is one of the main symbols of Tibet, a treasury of the country's cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as the greatest architectural monument region, contributed to the fact that in 1994 this complex was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Today it is the residence of the Dalai Lama, the site of the most important religious ceremonies and one of the most interesting museums peace.
How to visit
The palace is open to tourists from 9:00 to 17:00, and in the summer months from 7:30. A little more than two thousand people can see it a day, mostly groups of tourists who have purchased tickets in advance. As a rule, they sell out immediately after closing. entry tickets the next day, their cost is about $11 per person (June 2012).
