Burma is not only fascinating because of its very rich history, but also its atmosphere, aromas and hospitality.
Occupied by the Mons, the Burmans and the British, Burma has known multiple cultures. T
he city of Bagan, “the land of golden roofs,” is a jewel of Burma. It is a testament to the past grandeur of the kings of Bagan who reigned over the first Burman empire.
There are monuments of Sri Lankan, Indian, Tibetan, Mon and Burman influence...
This majestic Buddhist archaeological site, comparable to Angkor in neighboring Cambodia, is home to more that 2,000 temples, stupas and pagodas, built between the 11th and 13th centuries and spread across 40 km2.
It is the largest concentration of Buddhist monuments in the world.
After having gone through the Sarabha Gate, a estige of the 9th century, you can admire a view of the entire old city from the top of the ThatbyinnyuPahto Temple: at 63 meters high it is the tallest monument in Bagan.
The construction of the Shwezigon Pagoda was begun in 1059 by King Anawrahta to shelter a jawbone and tooth of Buddha that he had obtained after his campaign against the Dali kingdom (in what is now Yunnan).
It was finished under the reign of his son Kyansittha in 1102: inside the complex there is a stone pillar that has inscriptions about the King.
The Ananda Temple is one of the most beautiful Buddhist monuments in Bagan. Built by King Kyansittha in 1091, it was originally dedicated to the “infinite wisdom” of the Buddha (anantapinya). According to Legend, Kyansittha had been inspired by the description that monks from India gave of their temple, which would explain the Ananda's Indian architectural features.
The Wetkyi Inn Gubyaukgyi Temple houses lovely frescos depicting scenes from the Jataka. The stairs inside lead to four Buddha images and the Hindu sculptures carved on the spire.
The Htilominlo Temple, famous for its fine stucco ornaments, was built between 1211 and 1218 by King Htilominlo (or Nandaungmya) to commemorate the fact that a parasol (a symbol of power) tilted towards him him during his enthronement. On the second floor, four buddhas have their backs to the central pillar, facing in the four directions.
Directed by Jacques VICHET