The Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple is distinctive for its row of three stupas in the centre of the complex.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

The distinctive three stupas in the centre of Wat Phra Si Sanphet make this one of the most iconic temples of Ayutthaya.

The three distinctive stupas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which each hold the ashes of a King of Ayutthaya. – © Michael Turtle

A building at the rear of the stupas would once have held a large collection of imposing Buddha statues. – © Michael Turtle

Each of the three central stupas have staircases leading up into them, which is a characteristic of the Ayutthaya style of architecture. – © Michael Turtle

The three distinctive stupas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which each hold the ashes of a King of Ayutthaya. – © Michael Turtle

In the early years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the capital's grand Royal Palace would have stood on this spot. But after it was destroyed and a new one was built just a few hundred metres to the north, King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat ordered a temple be founded on the site in 1448.

Directly adjacent to the new palace, Wat Phra Si Sanphet became the royal temple of Ayutthaya and was where the most important ceremonies were held. It also served as the royal family's private chapel and, unlike most other religious centres in the city, no monks lived within the complex.

Although the stupas are in a good condition, other buildings that would've been around them are largely unrestored. – © Michael Turtle

The most distinctive characteristic of the temple is the three enormous stupas arranged in a line down the centre of the site. They hold the ashes of King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat and his two sons who also became kings. Most of the other structures within the site haven't been restored but they would've included a building on either side of the main hall with a standing Buddha in each, and a cross-shaped building behind the stupas for four more large statues.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built on the site of the original Royal Palace, which moved to an adjacent site in the mid-15th century. – © Michael Turtle

Wat Phra Si Sanphet continued to be the most important temple in Ayutthaya until the end of the kingdom in the late 18th century. It was considered to be the most beautiful complex in the city and was used as the inspiration for Wat Phra Kaew (more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.