Kroch Temple

Also recorded as Aur Krauch Temple, and located around 5km southeast of Sra’aem, it’s the remains of three sandstone temples built upon a common terrace. The three towers open to the east with only the southern tower still standing. The central tower of the three has mostly collapsed barring part of its north wall and south wall, whilst one wall of the northern tower, quite incredibly, is still standing without support from its other sides. On the east side of the site, a small basin (now dry).

Like many regional temples, its art style has unique qualities. The southern tower retains decorative features in its pilasters and pediment that indicate the site was surely from the era of refined and well-executed art in sandstone form. It appears, looking internally at the southern tower and in other places, that the process of decorative carving was left uncompleted. Fragments of lintels can be seen in the overgrowth along with a sprawl of other masonry blocks, along with fragments of decorated door columns of differing styles.

Getting there: the site was seemingly cleared and had a good trail years ago as the site was added to Google Street View in 2014. Since that time the trail has succumbed to farming, although, by taking a roundabout way it’s still quite possible to reach the site as of 02/23. At this time it was also quite overgrown on the west side, while the east side is a little easier.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..