Ramoche Monastery is about 500 meters away from Jokhang Temple. It is a key protective cultural relic of Tibet Autonomous Region and one of the famous scenic spots of Lhasa. It was built in Tang Dynasty. The Statue of 8-year Sakyamuni brought to Lhasa by Princess Wencheng was firstly worshiped here and moved to Jokhang Temple.
Ramoche Monastery was built by architects from Chinese Tang Dynasty after Princess married Songtsen Gambo. The original Ramoche Monastery was a Tang Dynasty style construction characterized by resplendent and magnificent. It faces east to express Princess Wencheng's attachment to her hometown.
The construction of Ramoche Monastery was started with the construction of Jokhang Temple. The construction of the two monasteries was almost completed at the same time. It experienced numerous destruction and restoration. The existing Ramoche Monastery is much different with the original one.
Ramoche Monastery covers an area of about 4000 square meters. The front part of the monastery is its courtyard and the back part is its shrines, arches and pilgrimage corridors. The main construction of Ramoche Monastery is a three-storey building. The second floor is supported by 10 16-edge well decorated pillars.
According to historical record, Ramoche Monastery suffered several fire disasters and experienced several restorations. The original construction has been destroyed and the existing monastery was the rebuilt construction. The main hall in the monastery covers an area of 3940 square meters which has a capacity of about 500 people.
Ramoche Monastery has a history of more than 1000 years. Though it is not as large and famous as Jokhang Temple, tourists here could experience another kind of charm. It is not as boisterous as Jokhang Temple, but has its attractions. There are precious Buddhism sculptures and various cultural relics in the monastery, including Thangkas and statues.