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• Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia. It was first a Hindu, later a Buddhist temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world.
• The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.

It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moatmore than 5 kilometres (3 mi) long^[6] and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatasadorning its walls.

As the best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world,^[7] having played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation.^[8] It has become a symbol of Cambodia,^[9]appearing on its national flag, and is the country’s main tourist attraction.^[10]