Global Treasures: Borobudur

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1005

UPC: 879061006043

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Dating from the 8th century and located in central Java, Indonesia, stands the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, a mountainous creation which took 50 years to construct and comprises 55,000 cubic metres of stone. It has 9 platforms, of which the lower 6 are square and the upper 3 are circular. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa. It is also the largest ancient monument in the southern hemisphere.

A five-kilometre walk passes 1500 illustrated reliefs which depict the teachings of Buddha. Full of beauty and grace, various statues of Buddha exude a feeling of inner peace, and on the summit, 72 buildings are devoted to him.