Bayon

The 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. Its most distinctive feature is the multitude of smiling faces on the towers which rise up to its central peak. It also possesses two sets of bas-reliefs, which depict an unusual combination of mythological, historical and mundane events. The main current conservatory body, the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor, the JSA, has described the temple as ‘the most striking expression of the ‘baroque’ style’, compared to the classical style of Angkor Wat.