Wat Mahathat was a grand temple, like wat Ratchaburana. According to
the chronicle, it was starting to be built in the reign of Phra Borom Rajathirat I
(Khun Luang Pha - Ngua) in 1374 and completed in the reign of King Ramesuan.
It was built and maintained continuously until the city was destroyed in 1767.There
are a lot of ruins showing the beauty and importance of arts such as the Royal
Wihara with narrow rectangular holes instead of windows. The main prang where
the relic of the Lord Buddha was kept and found is originally 50 meters high.
It fell down once during the reign of Somdet Phra Chao Song Tham and was
restored to be higher than the original during the reign of King Prasart Thong.
At present only the base can be seen as the top of the main prang was broken
down in 1911 in the reign of King Rama Vl of Rattanakosin period.