อ่านภาษาไทย
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a place that is the foundation of Thai academics, don't miss "San Paolo Temple" in Lopburi Province. This place is not just a Christian church as the name suggests, but in the reign of King Narai the Great (around 1685-1687 AD), it was used as an observatory and residence for French Catholic priests who were experts in science. Because of the collection of knowledge and a library containing many books for scholars and academics to study, many people regard this place as the "first university in Siam," full of the transfer of modern knowledge from the Western Hemisphere.
The main highlight that is unique to San Paolo Temple is the "observatory," which is an octagonal building with 3 floors. Although only archaeological traces remain today, the remaining structure shows the progress of astronomy in the past. King Narai the Great once came to observe the solar and lunar eclipses with the Catholic priests here. In addition to the observatory building, there are also traces of buildings believed to be the residence of monks, which are connected as a group of buildings surrounding a rectangular courtyard, reflecting European architecture that is perfectly integrated into the land of Siam.
Visiting San Paolo Temple on a holiday will make you happy to trace the knowledge of the past. Recent archaeological excavations have also found traces of the area being used for a long time from the Dvaravati period to the late Ayutthaya period. Visiting here is not just about seeing ruins, but about admiring the intellectual glory that once occurred in Lopburi. Anyone who likes science and history must experience the simple but powerful charm of this first university for themselves. I guarantee that it will be a worthwhile holiday and you will gain a lot of knowledge.
