Architecture

In architecture, the chorten, or Tibetan stupa, was derived from Indian prototypes and was composed of one or more square bases, a square balcony, a bulbous dome, and a mast upholding umbrellas, surmounted by a flame finial. Xizang (Tibet) is famed for its gigantic monastery-cities, which house thousands of monks. The one at Tashi Lumpo, built in the 15th century, is the headquarters for the Tashi Lama. A labyrinthian complex, it is composed of long streets of cells, which surround courtyards. At the center is a shrine. The 17th-century monastery at Lhasa includes the Potala palace, residence of the Dalai Lama, and a series of monastic skyscrapers that echo the forms of the surrounding mountain peaks.

Palace of 13th Dalai Lama

Palace of 14th dalai Lame

Potala Palace(1)

Potala Palace(2)

Potala Palace(3)

Sera Monastery