Unlike other Asian countries, Mongolia is known to the world, primarily, for its natural sights: picturesque rugged mountains, turquoise lagoons, and, of course, the famous steppes of the great Mongol Empire and the vibrant history left by its legendary founder and brave warrior Genghis Khan. This fantastic country also has ancient architectural monuments, including majestic palaces of powerful rulers and beautiful Buddhist temples, which are still functioning today. And although there are not so many highly significant historical and cultural monuments in Mongolia, they all occupy a rightful place in the list of its main attractions.
Like the most precious pearl in a necklace, one such delightful example of palatial architecture rises in the heart of Ulaanbaatar among modern tall buildings. The beautiful 19th-century palace once belonged to the first and last khan of independent Mongolia, Bogd Khan VIII, after whom it was named. Initially, in 1893, four buildings were erected as the residence of the great ruler. Unfortunately, not all the structures of the khan’s complex have survived to our day.
A museum named after Bogd Khan appeared within the walls of the main Winter Palace in 1961. Here, you can see the personal belongings of the Mongolian monarch, as well as Dondogdulam, his beautiful wife and keeper of the secret dakini teachings. There is even her life-size wax figure. Besides, the museum displays many religious items because Bogd Khan was the ruler of the empire and the head of Buddhists on its territory.
The old palatial complex is in the classical Chinese style and consists of several structures. The Summer Palace includes seven small temples with images of the four heavenly kings of Buddhism, statues of gods, traditional musical instruments, and silk paintings. Here, you can also see the portrait of Zanabazar, Bogd Gegen I, and some of the rare editions of the palace library. The Winter Palace houses the royal chambers with the khan’s throne and ceremonial yurt as well as numerous gifts from the Russian Emperor Nicholas II.
Until 1961, the National Museum of Mongolia had been located in the building of the Winter Palace, whose collection served as the basis for the modern Bogd Khan Museum.
In addition to the partially preserved buildings of the Summer and Winter Palaces, the khan’s complex has several traditional gates. There is a symbol of victory in the fight for the independence of Mongolia from China, the famous triumphal gate built at the beginning of the 20th century, and two high flagpoles for state and religious flags.
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