For centuries, Borobudur was covered by layers of volcanic ash and vegetation. The reasons for the abandonment of this temple remain unknown, although it is believed that the site was abandoned after the 14th century with the decline of the Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the conversion of the islanders to Islam.

Borobudur was rediscovered in the early 19th century, thanks to information received by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, governor of the island during its British control, about a large monument called Chandi Borobudur. Due to his interest in the history of Java, he would end up sending an expedition to explore the site.

During the following decades, the enormous monument would be weeded, cleaned and studied, although it would not be until the 1970s that it would receive a thorough restoration. Two decades later, in 1991, it would be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The huge monument is built on a hill overlooking a lush tropical landscape, and has 9 levels and half a thousand Buddha statues. Borobudur is a sacred and spiritual site for Buddhists, attracting visitors from all over the world because of its beauty, history and religious significance.

This architectural marvel is conceived as a large stupa and is pyramidal in shape. Seen from above, the huge monument takes the shape of a Buddhist mandala. It has six square platforms at the base and three circular ones, on which sit seventy-two small stupas surrounding a larger one.

Each level has a series of Buddha statues and bas-reliefs, which in their ascent represent a step on the path to enlightenment; beginning with the base of the temple where the world of ignorance and illusion is reflected, and culminating at the top with the central stupa symbolizing enlightenment.

Throughout the entire structure and at all levels there are a large number of beautifully sculpted panels, and they tell the story of Sudhana and Manohara. The bas-reliefs are particularly impressive, and in total amount to about 3,000 meters surrounding the monument. As a whole, they are aligned according to the pradaksina, the circumambulation ritual performed by pilgrims moving clockwise, leaving the shrine on their right side.

The best way to experience Borobudur is to walk slowly through the levels, stopping to admire the views and statues on each level. There are stairs leading to the top of the structure, and from there you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The monument today is a shrine and important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The journey begins at the base of the monument and continues along the surrounding path as it ascends to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology. During the journey, the monument guides pilgrims through a system of stairs and corridors.

After remodeling in the 1970s, Borobudur was once again used as a place of worship and pilgrimage. Once a year, between May and June, Buddhists commemorate through the Vesak the birth, death and moment when Siddhārtha Gautama attains the ultimate wisdom to become Buddha. Vesak is the holiest day for millions of Buddhists around the world.

In addition, Borobudur has stood as one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in the world and is considered an archaeological and historical treasure of humanity, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Indonesia.

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