Buddha of Bamyan

The Buddha of Bamiyan, Afghanistan, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the confluence of art, spirituality, and resilience. These colossal statues, carved into the sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago, once soared majestically, each over 50 meters tall. The intricate details of the Buddhas' features and the surrounding cliffside murals showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of the Gandharan era.

The profound impact of standing before these monumental figures is difficult to put into words. The Buddhas of Bamiyan were not merely statues; they were cultural symbols that bore witness to centuries of history, from the Silk Road's flourishing trade to the rise and fall of empires. The void left by their destruction in 2001 is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cultural heritage in times of conflict.

Visiting the site, now marked by empty niches against the Bamiyan Valley's rugged backdrop, evokes a sense of loss but also an appreciation for the resilience of the Afghan people. Efforts to preserve the site and the surrounding archaeological treasures offer a glimmer of hope for the future.

The Buddha of Bamiyan remains an indelible part of Afghanistan's narrative, inviting contemplation on the impermanence of material existence and the enduring spirit of human creativity. It's a destination that transcends time, making a visit to Bamiyan a pilgrimage not just through space but through the annals of art, history, and cultural heritage.

Full of wonders and an amazing place. I call it myself as one of the wonders of the world!
I can't imagine how it was build back in 164 BC and after thousands of years, it is still gorgeous. It must be maintained and protected as one of the historic monuments of this region.

One of the most incredible places I have ever seen. It is absolutely heartbreaking what has been done to the Buddhas in 2001. At the same time, although the Staues are gone, their shadow remains. And this shadow cannot be destroyed. Hopefully the niches will be better protected in the future as the stucco has been badly damaged and graffiti/tags appeared.

Amazing. The Buddhas are long gone but this is still a must visit place in Bamyan.

The Buddhas of Bamiyan, two colossal statues that once soared magnificently against the rugged cliffs of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, represented an unparalleled fusion of art, spirituality, and cultural significance. Carved into the sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago, these monumental figures stood as testament to the flourishing Buddhist civilization along the Silk Road. The larger Buddha, standing at 53 meters, and the slightly smaller one at 35 meters, were awe-inspiring not only in their sheer size but also in the intricate details that adorned their surfaces. These Buddhas were marvels of Gandharan art, showcasing a unique blend of Greco-Roman and Indian artistic styles. For centuries, they silently witnessed the passage of time, the rise and fall of empires, and the evolution of the region's cultural landscape.

The Buddhas of Bamiyan became iconic symbols of Afghanistan's cultural heritage, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from around the world. The statues were not merely sculptures; they were living narratives carved in stone, reflectingthe harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures in Central Asia during the height of the Silk Road. Sadly, in 2001, the world witnessed a profound loss when the Taliban, in an act of cultural vandalism, deliberately destroyed the Buddhas, viewing them as symbols of idolatry.

Despite their physical absence, the legacy of the Buddhas of Bamiyan endures in the collective memory of humanity. Efforts to preserve and reconstruct the site continue, fueled by a shared commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage that transcends borders and time. The Buddhas of Bamiyan remain a poignant reminder of the impermanence of material existence and the enduring spirit of human creativity that persists even in the face of destruction.

Historical and cultural monuments of Afghanistan destroyed by the Taliban of the 90s. It's a tragic event that makes this location most painful to visit.

It's a wonderful heritage place to visit. The security of the area is good. You may feel safe while visiting the Buddha

Incredible. I was the only visitor there. It felt like walking around and exploring something like the Pyramids of Giza, but completely alone. It was a surreal experience.

There are three alcoves where the great Buddhas were destroyed. Two large ones and a smaller one. If you are in the area it is totally worth the visit.

Once you look at the great Buddhas, absolutely you will imagine it’s the sixth century how the people lived in

Fortunate to have spent time in Bamyan (early 1977) prior to the destruction of the Buddhas. Inspiring location. To sit on the cliffs and imagine Alexander The Great riding down through the valley ! What a wonderful country such a shame that they have suffered so much turmoil since then.

!n 1977 I had a chance to sleep by the head of the Buddha for inspiration and meditation. Sad to see what happened to this monument of civilization

This place is one of the historical areas

Buddha is the largest buddha status in the world.
It was destroyed by Taliban long ago and people are expecting Afghanistan government to restore it back which is a technical think and requires budget.
As the safest city in Afghanistan Bamiyan attracting thousands of tourists each year.
This Eid more than 100 thousand tourists visited bamiyan and band amir.

It is the best historical place of AFG. I really enjoyed.

I live near the Buddha of Bamiyan.
And I see everyday .
It's an amazing Historical place in Bamiyan province Afghanistan.

It's safe and wonderful historical places.

The Buddhas of bamian are Amazing, These are two tousand years old, every vistor appreciate the builders of them, Absulotly the Fathers of hazaras made these statues

Such an inspiring and amazing experience. Being somewhere and touching walls and stones where a civilization 3000 years ago have build an Great Statue to appreciate their Believings. The feeling is fantastic. Also the Orgin Nature of this Beautiful Part of Afghanistan.

AmaIbg but need some employees and infrastructure and some service