On our last day in Lhasa, Tibet, we visited one of the grandest monuments in Asia, if not the world: the extraordinary Potala Palace. Built in the 17th century (atop the original 7th century site), it boasts more than 1000 rooms, including the red palace (where the Dalai Lama once lived), 10,000 chapels, and a labyrinth of mysterious dungeons. It took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. This Eastern architectural triumph was the world’s tallest building before the creation of 20th-century skyscrapers.

Perched on Red Mountain, the Palace offers sweeping views of the city and the surrounding immense peaks that are as extraordinary as its interior.

During our visit we saw pilgrims who journeyed to this sacred shrine from throughout Tibet.

The Palace contains a stunning array of treasures: a grand ceremonial hall with magnificent hanging brocades and painted religious scrolls, vivid murals, statues of Buddha, and rich gold and jewel-encrusted tombs of eight Dalai Lamas.