Prasat Suor Prat (Towers of the Rope Dancers), Siem Reap
The Towers of the Rope Dancers is a captivating series of twelve towers located on the eastern side of a royal square in the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Constructed with a combination of rugged laterite and sandstone, these enigmatic towers stand as intriguing enigmas from Cambodia's rich historical past.
Arranged symmetrically, the towers stretch from north to south, flanking the starting point of the road leading east to the Victory Gate. They stand proudly in front of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, adding to the grandeur of the surrounding area. Despite their prominence, the actual purpose of these towers remains a mystery, leaving historians and archaeologists intrigued.
Locally known as "The towers of the tightrope dancers," the name originates from a romantic notion that they were used to support high wires for acrobatic performances during royal festivals. However, this belief holds little relevance to their actual function. According to the records of Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat who visited Angkor in the 13th century, the towers were used to settle disputes among the Angkorian people, suggesting a unique and practical application in the past.
The temple's construction is attributed to the reign of King Indravarman II, adding to the historical significance of these enigmatic towers. Among the twelve towers, N1 tower and N2 antechamber were facing the danger of collapse, prompting restoration efforts undertaken by the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor from 2001 to 2005. The restoration work ensured the preservation of these ancient structures, allowing visitors to marvel at their architectural splendor today.
Arranged symmetrically, the towers stretch from north to south, flanking the starting point of the road leading east to the Victory Gate. They stand proudly in front of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, adding to the grandeur of the surrounding area. Despite their prominence, the actual purpose of these towers remains a mystery, leaving historians and archaeologists intrigued.
Locally known as "The towers of the tightrope dancers," the name originates from a romantic notion that they were used to support high wires for acrobatic performances during royal festivals. However, this belief holds little relevance to their actual function. According to the records of Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat who visited Angkor in the 13th century, the towers were used to settle disputes among the Angkorian people, suggesting a unique and practical application in the past.
The temple's construction is attributed to the reign of King Indravarman II, adding to the historical significance of these enigmatic towers. Among the twelve towers, N1 tower and N2 antechamber were facing the danger of collapse, prompting restoration efforts undertaken by the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor from 2001 to 2005. The restoration work ensured the preservation of these ancient structures, allowing visitors to marvel at their architectural splendor today.
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Prasat Suor Prat (Towers of the Rope Dancers) on Map
Sight Name: Prasat Suor Prat (Towers of the Rope Dancers)
Sight Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia (See walking tours in Siem Reap)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia (See walking tours in Siem Reap)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Create Your Own Walk in Siem Reap
Creating your own self-guided walk in Siem Reap is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Angkor Thom Walking Tour
Nestled within the sprawling landscape of Siem Reap, Angkor Thom stands as a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and artistic expression. Built during the late 12th century by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII, this expansive city served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Jayavarman VII's vision was to create a city that embodied the spiritual and cultural essence of the empire. Enclosed... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Siem Reap Introduction Walking Tour
As the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap holds within its bounds an extraordinary blend of ancient temples, bustling markets, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Siem Reap's history dates back to the 9th century when it emerged as a small village near the Siem Reap River. Its name, meaning "Defeat of Siam," pays homage to a victorious battle fought against... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Siem Reap's history dates back to the 9th century when it emerged as a small village near the Siem Reap River. Its name, meaning "Defeat of Siam," pays homage to a victorious battle fought against... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles