Banteay Samre, Cambodia - Art, Temples, Archaeological Park

Art Gallery, Temple

Built in the idiosyncratic Angkor Wat-style of construction and art, this is a huge, comparatively low-rise temple. It was built around the same time as Angkor Wat, and the influence can seen in the towers and railings which strongly resemble the towers of Angkor Wat, and it also look likes the ancient Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand and most of the bas-relief carvings are in fine condition. The temple consists of low walls neighbouring peaked structures of deep red sandstone. Banteay Srei means "Citadel of Women," and it is said that the reliefs on this temple are so elusive that they could only have been engraved by the hand of a woman. The well-preserved relief carvings on the central buildings illustrate scenes from ancient Hindu tales.