Buddha overgrown by fig tree, Wat Mahatat

The Ayutthaya historical park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.

In 1969 the Fine Arts Department has begun with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. The park was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1981.

Ruins of the main temple complex (the three stupas in the distance), along with two smaller stupas in the foreground.
Photo: Christo Casablanca, 2003

See also: Ayutthaya kingdom