Built in 1648, Trongsa Dzong has been a significant fortress in Bhutan where the first two kings ruled the kingdom from this seat of power.
Most of the dzongs or fortresses were built in strategic locations around the same time (1600s) to protect the country from the Tibetan invasion. This Trongsa Dzong, particularly, locates on the ridge of the mountain right on the pathway between the western region and the central/eastern regions, becoming an important gateway in Bhutan.
This is the view of Trongsa Dzong and its Watch Tower (now turned into a museum) on the top left of the fortress. 這是通薩堡的全景，城堡左上角的是其崗樓，現在是博物館。As a strategically important house of power for centuries, there’s a “formal attire required” billboard at the entrance. 進入這座幾個世紀以來都是政治管治的重地，大閘外有嚴肅的牌寫上『必須穿著整齊衣服進內』。After entering the gate, there’s long pathway with a check point/ticket booth when you have to register. Your guide will take care of it. 通薩堡的保安比較深嚴，過了大閘後要通過一條通道才可以進入城堡，有一個要登記／買門票的地方。你的導遊會辦手續。This is the courtyard of the first level. It is not that big and you will have to walk up the subtle door to the second level. 這是進入城堡內的第一層中庭，地方不大。要走上樓梯經過一個不顯眼的門進入第二層。The government offices are very busy. You will see many people walk around the dzong. 這裏仍然是十分繁忙的政府大樓，人來人往。Like any other dzongs (fortresses), it is a place for both religious and political use. There is a temple, government offices and halls for the monks. 跟其他城堡一樣，通薩堡是宗教和政治共用的地方，所以有政府部門同時也有廟宇和寺院。A close up view of the dzong built on the steep ridge of the mountain. It is an impressive structure at a strategic location. 這個角度可以近距離看到通薩沿山邊而建，是一個居高臨下的策略地理位置。The most interesting thing about Trongsa Dzong is its complex architectural design. There are so many levels and buildings, making it a very unique dzong in Bhutan. 通薩堡最特別的是其複雜的建築設計，是我在不丹見過最多層和最複雜的城堡。The third level has the biggest courtyard. There is a block of building with many rooms on either side of the courtyard. There is another building in front which is accessible through another stairwell. 這是第三層中庭，地方最大，左右是大樓，有許多間隔。正面有一座建築物，需要走另一條樓梯上。Take another flight of stairs up, you will see this panoramic view of the lower building. Spectacular! 往上走一層樓梯回頭看，就可以看到第三層的全景，非常壯觀。At this level, you will also see the previous watch tower which is now a museum. 從這裏可以看到從前的崗樓，現在是博物館。The entrance to the top level features two large prayer’s wheels. 要上最頂一層樓參觀必經過這大門，兩邊有大經輪。The top level has a great view of the mountain range and the valley below. Even the monks who work and live there would stop and take a look at the spectacular view. 最高一層的景觀非常漂亮，可以看到綿綿山脈和山谷。連通薩堡內的僧侶經過都會停下來欣賞以下風景。
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