Wat Ratcha Burana

Wat Ratcha Burana was established in 1424 CE by King Borommaracha II (reign 1424-1448 CE) after two of his brothers died in battle on elephants while fighting to claim the throne. The two brothers were cremated at the site of where are today two ruined chedis and Wat Ratcha Burana was constructed the same year as a memorial.

In 1957 CE, organised looters dug into the crypt and stole many precious items, so a local branch of the Fine Arts Department was created to protect local ruins while preserving the nation's cultural treasures.

In 1958 CE, the Fine Arts Department built a staircase leading down to the main crypt. The following year, they established the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum to display ancient relics found at Wat Ratcha Burana and Wat Maha That. Some very old Chinese-influenced murals, dating back to 1424 CE, are located at the very bottom. It is worth looking at as it is the only Khmer-style prang in the city allowing access to its crypt.

Ayutthaya Historical Research