Cambodia World Heritage List

Date of acceptance of the Convention: Thursday, November 28, 1991

Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List

Cultural

• Angkor (1992)
• Temple of Preah Vihear (2008)

Properties submitted on the Tentative List

• Groupe de Sambor Prei Kuk (1992)
• Le site de Koh Ker (1992)
• Site des Kulen (1992)
• Site d’Angkor Borei et Phnom Da (1992)
• Site d’Oudong (1992)
• Ensemble de Beng Mealea (1992)
• Ensemble du Prah Khan de Kompong Svay (1992)
• Ensemble de Banteay Chmar (1992)
• Ensemble de Banteay Prei Nokor (1992)
• Ensemble de Prah Vihear (1992)

1. Angkor Wat

Cambodia Date of Inscription: 1992 Criteria: (i)(ii)(iii)(iv) Province Siem Reap N13 26 E103 50 Ref: 668

Brief Description

Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

2.Preah Vihear Temple

Cambodia Date of Inscription: 2008 Criteria: (i) Core zone: 154.7 ha Buffer zone: 2642.5 ha N14 23 18 E104 41 2 Ref: 1224rev

Brief Description

Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

Outstanding Universal Value

The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.

Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its decoration.

Authenticity, in terms of the way the buildings and their materials express well the values of the property, has been established. The attributes of the property comprise the temple complex; the integrity of the property has to a degree been compromised by the absence of part of the promontory from the perimeter of the property. The protective measures for the Temple, in terms of legal protection are adequate; the progress made in defining the parameters of the Management Plan needs to be consolidated into an approved, full Management Plan.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage List