The Potala Palace
A Tibet, Must-See Historic Site
On Top of Red Hill, The Magnificent Potala Palace Overlooks All of Lhasa
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Lhasa’s iconic landmark, the Potala Palace, is one of the great architectural wonders of the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient architectural complex is considered to be the model of Tibetan architecture. Built of stone and wood, and once the tallest building in the world, this massive structure dominates the skyline of Lhasa.
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The Red Palace (Karpo Potrang)
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Perched on top of Red Hill (Marpo Ri), the Potala Palace has a perfect view of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains. King Songtsen Gampo, the first king of unified Tibet, built his palace on Red Hill in the mid-7th century. When the 5th Dalai Lama decided to move the seat of his Gelugpa government from Drepung Monastery, he chose this former imperial site. The construction of the White Palace (Karpo Potrang) was begun in 1645, and the Dalai Lama moved here in 1649. The Red Palace (Marpo Potrang) was finished in 1694, after the death of the 5th Dalai Lama. He was the first Dalai Lama put to rest in the Red Palace.
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The White Palace (Karpo Potrang) and the Deyang Shar Courtyard
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Since its construction, The Potala Palace has been the residence of each of the successive Dalai Lamas as well as the seat of government. However, in the late 18th century the Norbulingka Summer Palace was built and the Potala Palace became the winter home of the Dalai Lama. It is virtually a self-contained world. Inside this massive structure are chapels, schools, jails and the magnificent gold and jewel-encrusted tombs of the 5th through the 13th Dalai Lamas. The Potala holds a stunning array of treasures: magnificent hanging brocades, painted religious scrolls, outstanding murals, statues of Buddha, and a mandala made of 20,000 pearls.
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Golden Stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama
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Golden Stupa of the Seventh Dalai Lama
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Entrance of the White Palace
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(Sishi Puntsok Hall) Ordination And Coronation Hall For The Sixth Dalai Lama
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Partway Up, Pilgrims Stop a Moment to Enjoy the View
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On the Way Up, a Pilgrim Strolls Slowly Past a Row of Prayer Wheels
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