This bridge, the Saphan Chang Rong Si, has a rather curious name. It translates to “elephants’ bridge at rice mill”. Why elephants and a rice mill? Well, this bridge actually has a fascinating history tied to both. Originally built as a simple wooden structure, the Saphan Chang Rong Si was a pathway for elephants returning from battles. Imagine those mighty creatures lumbering across this very spot, weary from war but victorious. Nearby stood a bustling rice mill, a common sight in old Bangkok. The bridge became known as the “elephants’ bridge at rice mill”, a name that stuck even after the rice mill disappeared and the bridge was rebuilt. The Saphan Chang Rong Si you see before you today is a testament to King Chulalongkorn’s reign. It was meticulously renovated in 1910 under his rule. Notice the intricate dog head sculptures adorning the bridge. They are not just decorative but symbolic, representing the year of the dog in the Chinese zodiac. It’s a subtle nod to the cultural influences that have shaped Bangkok’s history. The Saphan Chang Rong Si stands as a silent witness to Bangkok’s transformation, from a city of elephants and rice mills to the vibrant metropolis it is today.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to