Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok's Dusit district, constructed at the turn of the twentieth century from Carrara marble imported from Italy under the patronage of King Rama V. The bot is an unusual hybrid of Thai and European architectural elements — its cruciform plan and glazed yellow tiles follow local tradition while the marble cladding and stained-glass windows reflect European influence. The temple is enclosed by canals and broad courtyards and is particularly photogenic in the early morning when monks gather for alms rounds. A gallery behind the bot displays 53 bronze Buddha images in varying regional styles.