Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh, standing 27 meters high atop a 27-meter artificial hill, and is the founding legend of the city itself. According to tradition, a wealthy widow named Daun Penh discovered sacred Buddha statues washed ashore by the Mekong River in 1372 and built a temple on the hill to house them, giving the city its name meaning Hill of Penh. The current sanctuary dates from 1926 and contains Buddha images, colorful murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, and a shrine to Daun Penh herself. The surrounding park is home to long-tailed macaque monkeys and is a popular spot for locals during weekends. A large naga-flanked stairway leads to the summit.