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The Potala Palace was built at the time of Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century. In the 17th century, the fifth Dali Lama extended the palace to its present size and became the prime residence for the Dalai Lamma. The main construction is divided into two section—the Red and White Palaces— and is 115,703 meters high. Within its thirteen stories are living quarters, temples, funeral stupas and monk dormitories and countless cultural relics, such as, painted images, wall murals and sutras, all of which are incredibly valuable. These magnificent Tibetan artifacts are classified as national treasures and are listed by the state council as cultural relics that must be specially protected. |