Innwa

With a few interruptions Innwa (formerly known as Ava) was the capital of the Myanmar Kingdom for nearly 400 years, making it the longest running centre of government in the nation’s history. The city was finally abandoned in 1839 after a series of devastating earthquakes and the majority of intact buildings were transferred first to Amarapura and then to Mandalay. What remains is the exquisite Bargaya Monastery, famous for its 267 teak posts, the largest of which is 9 feet in circumference, and covered in elaborate wood carvings and embellishments. The Nan Myint watchtower, which stands slightly tilted, is also popular as an interesting example of Myanmar architectural style in the early 19th century.