Also spelled Phra Swne, Phra Sumeru Fortress is located on the corner where Phra Athit Road and Phra Sumeru Road meet. This fortress was constructed in the reign of King Rama I in 1783 along with 14 other fortresses and battlements surrounding the capital. Approximately 5.000 Vientiane people were recruited by King Rama I to build this Fortress. The shape of the fortress is an octagonal one with three levels. Inside the walls there are steps leading up to the fortress. All together, there are 38 rooms for ammuni¬tion and weapon storage. The roof collapsed during the reign of King Rana IV or V but was restored by the Fine Arts Department in the early 1980s using old photographs as a guide. There is now a small park surrounding the fortress and you can walk along the river all the way to Phra Pinklao Bridge. The walk is particularly pleasant.