Trapeang Ropeak (Sambor Prei Kuk – Y)

Trapeang Ropeak, also designated as temple Y, is located 40 m to the northwest of temple Z. Here are the remains of an octagonal shrine that is spectacularly taken over by a tree. It’s outer walls are without decoration although decorative bands around the eaves can still be seen.

Historical Notes

Less to the south and more to the west, there is still an isolated octagonal tower, open to the east. The oblique faces are narrower here too. The vault is corbelled and successive drums.

Outside, the composition is simple; it shows pilasters and frames of a somewhat special type. The terminal strip of the cornice had three headed kūdu on each side. The floors, very low, received the same decoration. Nothing remains of the door On the N. and W. panels of the main body, and, in fewer numbers, on the smaller panels, there is a quincunx of square holes with a picketing of the bricks, as if a decoration had been fixed there.

L’Art Khmer Primitif, Henri Parmentier, 1927

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..