Gplace > Thailand > Prachinburi > Mueang Prachin Buri > Prachin Buri City Pillar Shrine

“An elegant Chaturamuk shrine housing the sacred city pillar, serving as the spiritual heart of Prachin Buri for prosperity, stability, and peaceful riverside worship.”

Prachin Buri City Pillar Shrine is one of the important religious sites in Prachin Buri Province and has long been a center of faith for the city's inhabitants. According to ancient Thai beliefs, erecting a city pillar is a significant ceremony in the founding of a city, bringing good fortune, stability, and serving as a focal point for the people's spiritual development. The concept of a city pillar shrine is influenced by the royal traditions of the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, where many provinces across the country built city pillar shrines as symbols of governing power and peace.

The first Prachin Buri City Pillar Shrine was built during the reign of King Rama IV, after the construction of the fort and city walls of Prachin Buri. King Rama IV commissioned Prince Bowon Wiset Chai Chan to oversee the construction of the city in 1867, which was completed in 1872. Later that same year, King Rama V ordered the construction of the shrine and the placement of the city pillar on the north bank of the Prachin Buri River, near the former provincial government center. This made the city pillar shrine a sacred place and an important landmark for the people of Prachinburi ever since.

Over the decades, the province's administrative areas underwent several changes and expansions, causing the original city pillar building to deteriorate over time. In 1971, the Prachinburi Provincial Administration, with the cooperation of government agencies, merchants, and the people of the province, undertook the construction of a new city pillar shrine to ensure its continued importance as a place of worship. The construction involved careful consideration of auspicious times and the location according to ancient Thai city-founding traditions.

The current city pillar shrine features a blend of traditional Thai and modern architecture, with a four-sided structure, striking multi-layered roofs, and intricate Thai decorative details. The top of the building resembles a Thai prang (tower), reflecting a contemporary Thai art style that combines the elegance of the royal court with the simplicity of a provincial city shrine. Inside the shrine is enshrined the city pillar, a symbol of stability, peace, and prosperity for the province. Locals believe that paying respects at the shrine brings good fortune in careers, business, and family life.

The atmosphere around the city pillar shrine is peaceful, serene, and well-maintained. Located near the Prachinburi River and the old town area, this site holds significant value in both historical significance and community lifestyle. Tourists often visit the city's main shrine while also exploring nearby landmarks such as the old provincial hall, ancient temples in the city center, and the tranquil riverside area, especially in the evenings when they can enjoy beautiful views of the river and the daily life of the local people. Furthermore, on important provincial holidays or festivals, people frequently visit the shrine to seek blessings and participate in religious ceremonies, making the Prachinburi City Shrine an important center of faith for the community to this day.

How to Get There

The shrine is located near the Prachin Buri River and the old provincial hall. From Bangkok, take the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road (Highway 305) into Prachin Buri city center. The shrine is situated on Na Mueang Road with parking available in the vicinity.

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