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Rinpung Dzong which means 'Fortress of the Heap of Jewels',
is one of the oldest and most celebrated dzongs in
Bhutan. Apart from commanding a slightly elevated strategic
point overlooking the longest strecth of the Paro valley,
Rinpung Dzong is symbollic as the religous and secular centre
of all affairs in the valley. It is also an architectural
wonder, setting the tone for official dzongs throughout
the kingdom and inviting the visitor to wonder at the cultural
strength of the kigdom's heritage. The dzong was
built in the 15th century and was finally consecrated in
1646. Above the dzong is the old watch tower which
has been converted to the national museum.
The museum's collections include ancient Bhutanese arts,
artefacts, weapons, stamps, birds and animals. This is typical
of the eclectic beauty of Bhutan-its prized objects bear
little relation to each other but as a whole stand together
as the history of one of the world's most pristine people.
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