Construction of the Seventeenth Century Dzong in the Kingdom of Bhutan

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, while protected by daunting geographical features, still found it necessary to develop a defensive fortress system during its feudal period. The first dzong (citadel) was built in the twelfth century and many of the finer examples we observe today are from the seventeenth century. It was during this latter period that the militaristic purpose was expanded to include district administrative functions and Buddhist monastic activities. These culturally significant examples of Bhutan's heritage still function today in the dzongs, much as they did in their original period. Simply built of stone and wood, but massive in scale, the dzong exemplifies craftsmanship and construction methods unique to this isolated country. Currently, Bhutan is transitioning to a constitutional monarchy, with a desire to join the world community. It now faces the imposing challenge of progress without sacrificing its architectural heritage and cultural values embodied in this building type.