Loha Prasat, Wat Ratchanatdaram

Loha Prasat, the metal castle, is the landmark of Wat Ratchanatdaram, a temple begun in 1846; work later stalled, restarted in 1960 under the Fine Arts Department, a Buddha relic was enshrined in the top spire in 1995 and the building opened to the public in 2007. The 36 metre, 7-storey structure carries 37 metal spires representing the 37 virtues of enlightenment and is modelled on vanished monasteries in India and Sri Lanka; it is the only one of its kind still standing. Visitors climb the spiral stair through corridors of columns to the upper levels and a view over the old city. The temple stands at Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai roads in Phra Nakhon, opposite Wat Saket; MRT Sam Yot is the nearest station, then a walk or motorbike taxi. Open daily 08:00-17:00; admission 20 baht, paid as a donation. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and an amulet market fills the courtyard.