The third western gallery of Cambodia’s iconic Ta Prohm Temple has been fully restored, following an eight-month conservation effort led by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Khmer Times reported on 27 August 2025.

 

The project, which began in January, addressed extensive structural damage caused by age, invasive plant roots, and years of wear. According to Chitranjan Kumar, head of the restoration site, the gallery had suffered severe stone breakage across its pillars, walls, beams, and roof—posing safety risks to both the monument and its visitors.

 

Restoration teams removed unstable stones, repositioned displaced elements, and replaced missing sections with reinforced materials. The work followed recommendations from the ICC-Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk committees, ensuring international standards were met.

 

Experts now say the gallery is structurally sound and visually enhanced, improving both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the temple. Ta Prohm, famed for its romantic ruins entwined with towering trees, is one of Angkor’s most visited sites. Originally founded by King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university, the temple features concentric galleries, corner towers, and gopuras.

 

The restoration is part of ongoing efforts to preserve Angkor’s heritage while accommodating growing tourist numbers. With the third gallery now stabilised, visitors can continue to experience the temple’s haunting beauty without compromising its integrity.

 

 

-2025-08-27

On 8/27/2025 at 9:59 AM, geovalin said:

famed for its romantic ruins entwined with towering trees,

 

Yes, very much so. My photo:-