Rising again: An aerial photo of the Banteay Samre Temple in Siem Reap province. — Xinhua
Archaeologists have completed the restoration of the northwestern section and Naga balustrade of Banteay Samre Temple’s terrace in the Unesco-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia, the APSARA National Authority (ANA) said in a news release.
Long Nary, a stone conservator from the ANA’s Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology Department, said this extensive project, which involved over two years of study, restoration, and conservation efforts, had transformed the previously dilapidated area into a visually appealing and structurally sound site.
“The careful restoration carried out by both Cambodian and foreign experts has significantly enhanced the beauty and stability of the terrace and Naga balustrade,” he said.
Nary said the project, commenced in 2023, included restoring the stone floor, Naga balustrade, and various pillars, as well as reinforcing the foundation.
“The restoration team meticulously addressed broken and scattered stones, either restoring them or replacing them with new stones where necessary,” he said.
The project was undertaken by an ANA team in collaboration with German Agency for International Cooperation.
Built in the mid-12th century by Suryavarman II, the Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat Temple style was made of laterite and sandstone.
Banteay Samre is one of the magnificent temples in the 401 sq km Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap province.
The park, which is the most popular tourist destination in the South-East Asian nation, is home to 91 ancient temples built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.
According to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise, the park attracted almost 400,000 international tourists during the January-March period of 2025, generating a gross revenue of US$18.7mil from ticket sales. — Xinhua
