Shwenandaw Monastery
ရွှေနန်းတော်ကျောင်း
A teak building that was once King Mindon's residential chamber in the palace. It was later moved outside the palace and converted into a monastery. Covered in fine woodcarvings, it is the only original palace building that survived.
The Shwenandaw Monastery was originally the private chamber of King Mindon in the Mandalay Palace. After the king died there, his son King Thibaw believed the late king's spirit still lingered in the building. In 1878 he had it dismantled, moved out of the palace and rebuilt as a monastery. This is why it survived World War II and became the only surviving original building of the palace. The entire structure is built of teak, with woodcarvings of Jataka tales and mythical figures covering its interior and exterior. It was once covered in gold leaf, and only traces remain inside. Admission is included in the Mandalay heritage combo ticket, and you must remove your shoes. It sits at the southern foot of Mandalay Hill, next to the Atumashi Monastery.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Atumashi Monastery
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Sandamuni Pagoda
- Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (Mandalay)
- Mandalay Hill
- Mandalay Palace
- Mandalay Marionettes Theatre
- Zegyo Market