J. L.
Google
That Dam, known as the Black Stupa, is an ancient Buddhist monument standing in the middle of a roundabout in central Vientiane, Laos. Its origins are uncertain but it is believed to date back several centuries, possibly the 16th century, and its name comes from its dark, weather-worn appearance after the original plaster and any ornamentation eroded over time. Local legend says the stupa was once covered in gold that was taken by Siamese invaders in the 1820s, and that a mythical seven-headed Naga serpent lives within it to protect the city in times of crisis. Today it remains a culturally significant and mysterious landmark, symbolizing resilience and local folklore.