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Angkor Wat, Cambodia
An emblematic temple
Angkor Wat is such a stalwart symbol of Cambodia that its shape has graced the country's flags for over a century, even through long periods of political turmoil. Considered the largest religious building in the world, the Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple has stood in this spot since the 12th century, carefully aligned east to west to match the sun's motion. The temple's distinctive five central towers – arranged in a symmetrical pattern called a quincunx – represent Mount Meru, the mythical five-pointed peak where the Hindu gods reside.
An emblematic temple
Angkor Wat is such a stalwart symbol of Cambodia that its shape has graced the country's flags for over a century, even through long periods of political turmoil. Considered the largest religious building in the world, the Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple has stood in this spot since the 12th century, carefully aligned east to west to match the sun's motion. The temple's distinctive five central towers – arranged in a symmetrical pattern called a quincunx – represent Mount Meru, the mythical five-pointed peak where the Hindu gods reside.
© WJHLeonard Photography / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:52 :