Wat Chedi Luang

King Saen Muang Ma began building the Phra Chedi Luang toenshrine the relics of his father at the end of the 14th century, but King Tilokaratcompleted it.

The chedi used to be 90 meters high before it was partlydestroyed in an earthquake in 1545; it was to remain the tallest structure inChiang Mai for over 500 years. the present restored chedi is about 60meters high.

One of the best times to see this chedi is during the wian tianceremony in the evening on one of the main Buddhist festival days.

The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns with bell shapedbases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddhaimage inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of a combinationof brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401). Buddhist posters are placed along the walls between the windows,and cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics line the walls.

Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the MahamakutBuddhist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayutsect, a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut (Rama IV),who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect in the late1830's. To the west of the chedi is a viharn with a recliningBuddha and the Sangkhachai Buddha. From this area an exit leads outonto Chaban Road.