The History of Amarapura
Amarapura, meaning “City of Immortality,” was founded in 1783 by King Bodawpaya, who made it the royal capital of Burma during the Konbaung Dynasty. The king envisioned a glorious city that would serve as both a political stronghold and a religious sanctuary. Under his rule, Amarapura flourished with the construction of grand palaces, royal courts, and magnificent Buddhist monasteries. It quickly became a vibrant center of Buddhist learning, royal tradition, and governance, attracting monks, scholars, and artisans from across the kingdom.
In 1821, King Bagyidaw, Bodawpaya’s grandson, continued to develop Amarapura, reinforcing its role as a cultural and administrative hub. The city remained the royal capital for nearly 70 years, witnessing the rise and fall of royal ceremonies, courtly life, and spiritual devotion. However, in 1857, King Mindon Min made a significant decision to move the capital once again—this time to Mandalay, inspired by a Buddhist prophecy and strategic planning. In a remarkable feat of engineering and manpower, he ordered the entire royal palace of Amarapura to be dismantled and transported, piece by piece, using elephants, to build the new palace in Mandalay.
Although Amarapura lost its status as a royal capital, it never lost its historical importance. Today, it is best known for the iconic U Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, stretching gracefully across Taungthaman Lake. Built around 1850 using reclaimed wood from the former palace, the bridge remains a powerful symbol of the city’s past. Amarapura continues to draw visitors with its serene monasteries, silk-weaving workshops, and enduring spirit of Buddhist tradition. It stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of Myanmar’s royal legacy and cultural resilience.