At first, the Potala Palace was built by the greatest Tibetan King in Tubo Period – Songtsen Gampo in middle of 6th century. It was named "Red Mountain Palace". That's the embryonic form of later Potala Palace. Unfortunately, this Red Mountain Palace was destroyed in 9th century. The Later Potala Palace was built by the fifth Dalia Lama of Tibetan Buddhism in 1645. But he only built the White Palace. His regent Sangjie Jiacuo built Red Palace in 1692. Then, the original form of Potala Palace almost completed.
It is said that there were 7700 persons ever took part in the construction of Potala Palace, including 114 the Han people and Nepal craftsmen.
The construction of Potala Palace lasted for 3 years. The construction of Red Palace of Potala Palace lasted for 3 years. The soul pagodas of Dalai Lamas, Dongri Hall of White Palace and other architectures were built later.
It is said that the construction of Potala Palace spent 2.13 million Liang silver dollars, excluding the cost of building soul pagodas of Dalai Lamas in the hall and the Buddha statues and other cultural relics. After liberation, Potala Palace was ever repaired for two times which separately cost 53 million (in 1989) and 170 million (in 2002).
The Potala Palace officially opened to public in 1980. Later, it was repaired for two times. In these periods, the Potala Palace did not open to public.
The Potala Palace was listed as state-level major cultural relic preservation site in 1961.
The Potala Palace was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994.
It is said that there were 1000 rooms in the embryonic form of Potala Palace - Red Mountain Palace which was built in the period of Songtsen Gampo. Later, the fifth Dalai Lama rebuilt the Potala Palace, and several generation of Dalai Lama ever enlarged it. Now, there are over 2000 rooms in Potala Palace.
There is a Buddhist monastery in Potala Palace. The quota of this Buddhist Monastery is 175 persons. It is said that there were over 25000 Lamas ever lived in the monk's dormitory of Potala Palace to serve Potala Palace. Now, there are dozens of Lamas in Potala Palace.
Yes, Potala Palace also opens to female. During the reign of the old Tibet government, other people were permitted to trade at the square at the mountain waist of Potala Palace. But, female should not stay in the area of monk's dormitory after 12 o'clock. But people still can go to worship at other public areas.