Face Tower

Western Gopura, Ta Som

The western gopura, with its four faces overlooking the cardinal directions, was built outside the moat and later than the original temple. The gopura's east face is seen here, from inside the temple precincts. See the glossary entry on face towers for the meaning and symbolism of the faces.

The passage through this gopura is precariously shored-up by a wooden frame, which barely supports the collapsing lintel above it.