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In 1491, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was located inside
the compound of the Grand Palace-the foundations of which are still
visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in
Bangkok. This Wang Lung Palace (Royal Palace) was built by King U-Thong
upon the founding of the city. Used as a residential palace, it became
a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai
Lokanat commanded the construction of new living quarters, this
residential palace was transformed into a temple,and the establishment
of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. In Ayutthaya's heyday, this was the largest
temple in the city.
The three main chedis which have been restored
contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. The temple is situated at
the northern end of Si Sanphet Road. The royal chapel does not have any
monks and novice inhabitants. Admission fee is 20 bahts.
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