Apsara Starts Work to Salvage Temple in Near Collapse

Restoration work goes on at the southeast tower of the Lolei Temple in Siem Reap province. Apsara Authority

Apsara Authority’s team of archaeologists is in the process of repairing structures at Lolei Temple, which have almost totally collapsed after hundreds of years due to old age, natural factors and lack of resources and maintenance.

Long Kosal, Apsara Authority’s deputydirector general and spokesman, told Khmer Times yesterday that Lolei Temple is an ancient temple located in the north of National Road 6 (Siem Reap-Phnom Penh) in Lolei village, Prasat Bakong commune in Siem Reap province’s Prasat Bakong district.

He said that the temple, which is 3,800 metres long and 300 metres wide, was built in 893AD by King Yasovarman I who dedicated it to Shiva and to his father and the members of the royal family.

Kosal noted that due to natural factors as well as lack of resources and maintenance, the temple has suffered severe damage and is in near collapse.

Restoration work goes on at the southeast tower of the Lolei Temple in Siem Reap province. Apsara Authority
He said that in order to preserve the temple for the next generations, the team of archaeologists started repairing the southeast portion last month.

“Now we are only excavating mounds and crushed bricks from the ruins to reopen the towers for repairs to be carried out in order to prevent further damage,” Kosal said.

“After excavating and removing the bricks from the ruins, we will begin to repair and strengthen the entire structure of the temple,” he added.

Kosal emphasised that the main purpose of restoring Lolei Temple is to re-enhance its beauty and re-display the original image in order to preserve it for future generations and attract both local and foreign.

He added that Apsara Authority plans to complete the restoration works by the end of this year.

Khmer Times