Mandalay Palace, located in the heart of the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, is the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy. Constructed between 1857 and 1859 by King Mindon, the palace was part of the king's efforts to establish Mandalay as the new royal capital. The design is a magnificent representation of traditional Burmese architecture, featuring a large central citadel surrounded by a moat. Unfortunately, much of the original complex was destroyed during World War II. Fortunately, meticulous reconstruction efforts have restored the palace to much of its former glory, using old drawings and photographs. Visitors can explore multiple structures within the vast compound, such as the Royal Mint, the Watch Tower (Nan Myint Saung), and the Great Audience Hall. The palace grounds serve as a remarkable record of Burmese culture and monarchy. The main entrance, which faces east, is known as the Pyi Gyi Mon gateway and is adorned with intricate wood carvings showing the sophistication of the era's craftsmanship.