Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

The palace comprises three distinct zones: the outer court, middle court, and inner court. Crafted from bricks and mortar, the palace walls boast ornate parapets lining along the ridges. Guarded by 11 gates, each entrance flaunts arched thresholds adorned with intricate lotus-themed stucco motifs. Moreover, the middle and inner courts’ gates and walls feature numerous pointed arch niches akin to lotus buds designed for 2,000 lamp placements. During King Rama IV’s reign, the palace underwent renovations and earned the moniker “Phra Narai Ratchaniwet.” Structures during the reign of King Narai the Great include: Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall This hall, blending Thai and French architectural styles, initially served as the royal audience hall with its distinctive pointed pinnacle in the Mondop shape. At its centre is situated the Sihabanchon, which has a windowed balcony for the king to grant an audience. The hall’s front door and windows featured a pointed arch, while the mondop at the back has intricate Thai-style doors and windows called Ruean Kaeo Than Sing-a niche with a lion base. As described in the French envoy’s chronicle, “The wall is decorated with mirrors from France. The ceiling was divided into a grid of 4 squares beautifully decorated with a golden flower pattern and crystal from China”. The outside wall of the lower part of the Mondop contains small pointed arch niches for lamp placements similar to those witnessed along the archway and walls of the palace. King Narai the Great granted a grand audience to the French ambassador Chevalier de Chaumont and his envoys in 1685. Chanthara Phisan Hall was constructed in 1665 serving as King Narai’s residence on the original foundation of the throne which Ramesuan, the eldest son of King U-Thong built when he governed Lop Buri. Adhering to authentic Thai architecture, it flaunts a portico at the front. When the Suttha Sawan Hall was constructed, King Narai