The ever popular Bayon was built in the 13th century as the state temple of king
Jayavarman VII, and stands at the centre of his capital - Angkor Thom. The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of huge smiling faces carved into the towers that rise up to form its central peak. There are also two sets of bas-reliefs depicting an
unusual combination of mythological, historical and everyday events. The temple
is the most striking example of baroque-style architecture - unuslal in comparison to the
classical style to be found at Angkor Wat.
The Bayon sits at the exact centre of Angkor Thom withroads lead to it from
each of the city's cardinal points. The temple itself has no wall or
moats having been replaced by those of the city itself.
