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Wat Visoun, which was originally erected by King Visoun in 1503 & rebuilt in 1898, is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. It represents the earliest style of Lao temple architecture which is sometimes referred to as Luang Prabang Style I. (In this form, the 1st & 2nd roofs extend around the entire perimeter of the structure.) The sacred golden Buddha image (Prabang) was housed in this sim until it was taken to Vientiane in 1707. Much of the sim, the stupa, & the city were destroyed during the invasion of the Chinese Haw Black Flags marauders in 1887. The sim today continues its existence as a valuable museum of religious art with numerous centuries old Buddha statues & other religious objects.
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Asia
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