[TMG] fwd http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1224

[supat at supat.eu.org]

Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, 
the buildings that make up the sanctuary are dedicated to Shiva. The 
temple dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, 
its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage 
was founded. This site is particularly well-preserved, mainly due to its 
remote location near the border with Thailand. The site is exceptional for 
three reasons: its natural situation on a promontory, with sheer cliffs 
overlooking a vast plain and mountain range; the quality of its 
architecture adapted to the natural environment and religious function of 
the temple; and, finally, the exceptional quality of the carved stone 
ornamentation of the temple.