Gothic style chapel, European architecture in Thai Buddhist sites
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🏰 Review of the Gothic Ubosot, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan: European Architecture in a Thai Buddhist Monument
🌉 1. Travel: Take the cable car across the Chao Phraya River
Cable car: The highlight of visiting the temple is to take the cable car across the Chao Phraya River from the opposite side of Bang Pa-In Palace. It takes only 1 minute and can accommodate 4-8 passengers per round. Open daily from 08:00–18:00 (Sat-Sun) and 09:00–17:00 (Mon-Fri).
Atmosphere: Panoramic view of the river and the temple. Free service, but there is a donation box.
Parking: Park opposite the temple for 20 baht.
⛪ 2. Gothic Architecture: The only one in Thailand
Authentic Western Style: The Ubosot was designed by Joachim Grassi, an Italian architect. Built during the reign of King Rama V (1876-1878) as a place for royal merit-making. The exterior is a tall yellow building with a Gothic-style pointed roof, pointed arch windows, and a three-story bell tower.
Inspiration: King Rama V wanted to create something "strange" for the people, while not reducing their faith in Buddhism, according to the inscription in the ordination hall.
🖼️ 3. Italian stained glass: a masterpiece of art
Stained glass above the principal Buddha image: Behind the Phra Phutthanirumala Thammaphas (the principal Buddha image), decorated with European stained glass imported from Italy, showing a portrait of King Rama V in a graduation gown, under the Latin inscription "Chulalongkorn Rex Siamensis" (Chulalongkorn, King of Siam).
Precious details: Other stained glass in the church is decorated with floral patterns and Christian angels, but adapted to a Buddhist context. Reflecting the cultural fusion
🧘 4. Inside the Ubosot: Buddhist art in Western style
Phra Phutthanirumala Thammaphas, sculpted by His Royal Highness Prince Pradit Worakarn, represents a Buddha statue without a ushnisha (mawli) wearing a realistic wrinkled robe according to the art of the early Rattanakosin period, flanked by 8 chief disciples.
Altar: Designed similar to the wooden cross in a Christian church, but used to enshrine a Buddha statue. The base of the altar is carved with a mixture of Thai and European patterns.
Vaulted ceiling: Decorated with large stars and floral patterns, receiving light from stained glass, creating a sacred atmosphere.
🌿 5. Other highlights in the temple
Royal Cemetery of the Diskul Family: Contains the remains of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab and important royals.
Private Museum: Exhibits the first rapid learning textbook that Prince Damrong Rajanubhab composed while staying at the temple.
Bodhi Tree: The original branch was brought from Bodh Gaya, India, 140 years old.
⏰ 6. Visiting Information
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 09:00–17:00
Saturday–Sunday: 08:00–18:00
Fee: Free admission, except for parking fee of 20 baht
Tips:
Come early to avoid crowds and good lighting for taking photos
Dress appropriately, do not take photos while praying
🎯 Summary: An artistic heritage not to be missed
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Ratchaworawihan is not just a sacred place, but a "living museum" that tells the story of Western influence under the umbrella of Buddhism. The highlight is taking a cable car across the river to see the perfect Gothic architecture and world-class Italian stained glass. If you visit Bang Pa-In Palace, you should continue to this temple on the same day to experience the diversity of Ayutthaya history.