Built in 1958 as a memorial to
Cambodia's war dead and to celebrate independence from foreign rule, the
monument stands majestically on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard
and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city. It is designed by the
influential Cambodian modern architect Vann Molyvann in the form of a
lotus-shaped stupa in the same style seen at the great Khmer temple at
Angkor Wat and other Khmer historical sites. The monument consists of
five tiers decorated with 100 Nagas and is most impressive in the late
afternoon hours when the sun casts shadows over the sculptures.
Cambodia celebrates Independence Day on 9
November each year. The Independence Monument, already one of Phnom
Penh’s most significant structures, becomes even more celebrated when
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni leads the annual jubilation by
ceremoniously lighting a giant torch placed inside the monument in front
of a huge spectator of high officials from the government, private
sectors and members of the Cambodian public.
Emoticon Emoticon