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The oldest part of the palace is the fresco,covered walls
of the palace compound which is open to the public. It depicts
episodes from the Khmer version of Ramayana, the Reamker.
Housed in the compound of the Royal Palace, Wat Preah Kaeo
Morakot, or the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, is known more
commonly as the Silver Pagoda because of its floor. Comprising
5000 silver tiles, each weighing 1.1kilograms, the temple's
floor is a priceless work of religious art.
The centre of the pagoda houses a 17th century small emerald
Buddha made of baccarat crystal. In front is a solid gold
Buddha, weighing 90kilograms and encrusted with 9584 diamonds.
The figure was made in 1906 to the exact proportions of
King Norodom. It is made from his melted down jewelry. On
either side are numerous small Buddhas, one of which is
covered with 1000 diamonds.
Two dozen cabinets along the perimeter are filled with
gifts to King Norodom and successive kings from other royalty
and dignitaries.
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