Editing Khmer architecture (section)

===Gopura===
[[File:Ta Phrom, Angkor, Camboya, 2013-08-16, DD 01.JPG|thumb|left|A gopura leads into the 12th-century temple compound at [[Ta Prohm]].]]
[[File:2016_Angkor,_Angkor_Thom,_Brama_północna_(01).jpg|thumb|right|Many of the gopuras constructed under [[Jayavarman VII]] toward the end of the 12th century, such as this one at [[Angkor Thom]], are adorned with gigantic stone faces of [[Avalokiteshvara]].]]{{Main|Gopuram}}
A [[gopura]] is an entrance building. At [[Angkor]], passage through the enclosure walls surrounding a temple compound is frequently accomplished by means of an impressive gopura, rather than just an aperture in the wall or a doorway. Enclosures surrounding a temple are often constructed with a gopura at each of the four [[cardinal point]]s. In plan, gopuras are usually cross-shaped and elongated along the axis of the enclosure wall.

If the wall is constructed with an accompanying gallery, the gallery is sometimes connected to the arms of the gopura. Many Angkorian gopuras have a tower at the centre of the cross. The [[lintel (architecture)|lintels]] and [[pediment]]s are often decorated, and guardian figures ([[dvarapala]]s) are often placed or carved on either side of the doorways.