Covering over 400 acres, this temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, ranks as the largest religious site globally. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, it originally served as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. The architecture features extensive bas-reliefs and towering spires arranged in a quincunx pattern, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
By the late 13th century, the complex transitioned into a Buddhist temple, a role it continues to fulfill today. The site includes galleries, courtyards, and a moat surrounding the main structure, reflecting its dual religious heritage and historical significance within the ancient capital of Angkor.
