Myanmar - Ancient cities of Upper Myanmar: Innwa, Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun, Mandalay

"Subsequent foundations ort residences of Myanma kings: Sagaing from 1315 to 1364, Innwa from 1364 to 1841. Amarapura from 1841 to 1857, Mingun in 1810-1819, Mandalay after 1857. They are close to each other, inside a span of 30km on both banks of the Ayeyawady River. Innwa, Amarapura and Mandalay are noteworthy instances of city planning. The royal palace is located in a corner of the city wall at Innwa, at its centre in Amarapura and Mandalay. Numerous religious monuments, temples, stupas and monasteries.

A giant stupa was started at Mingun, intended to become the highest monument of Buddhism, but was never finished. Its base, severly cracked by an earthquake in 1819, is still an impressive mass of brick. The royal palace at Mandalay was destroyed during the 2nd world war, but the city wall is still in fair condition.

The cultural and religious life is still very active in these cities, with numerous Buddhist institutions. Collections of paintings, manuscripts, art objects and inscriptions are housed in various monasteries and museums. Traditional artifacts and handicrafts are produced in specialized streets in Amarapura and Mandalay."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1

Taw Gyi Mingun, a stupa uncompleted due to earthquake. Thanks to Sabine who was travelling to Myanmar.

Postcard 2

A different view postcard of Mingun. Thanks to Thitar of Myanmar.