Another
government building, this structure is the seat of
local government in Paro. Internationally, it is best
known as the location where scenes from the film "The
Little Buddha" were filmed. This location is appropriate
because Paro Dzong is considered the ideal Dzong,
and its form is copied by other buildings across the
country. Paro Dzong was originally built in 1646,
but has been destroyed a number of times. Sometimes
by fire; other times at the hand of earthquakes. There
is one constant, though -- the Great Thangka. It's
a scroll that is displayed for a few hours every year
at the Paro Teschu festival. It is one of many artifacts
kept at the Dzong's watchtower, which now serves as
Bhutan's national museum.