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Shuri castle was the chief royal palace of the [[Kingdom of Ryukyu|Kingdom of Ryûkyû]], serving as the chief royal residence, political center of the kingdom, site of numerous rituals and ceremonies, and repository of numerous national heirlooms, official records and other artifacts.

Shuri castle was the chief royal palace of the [[Kingdom of Ryukyu|Kingdom of Ryûkyû]], serving as the chief royal residence, political center of the kingdom, site of numerous rituals and ceremonies, and repository of numerous national heirlooms, official records and other artifacts.

Rebuilt beginning in 1992, following its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the castle grounds are now the nationally-funded "Shuri Castle Park". Along with a number of other ''[[gusuku]]'' and related sites across the island, Shuri Castle was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000<ref>Technically, it is the ruins and the site below and around the rebuilt castle which are recognized by UNESCO, which does not consider reconstructions for World Heritage Site status.</ref>.

Rebuilt beginning in 1992, following its destruction in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, the castle grounds are now the nationally-funded "Shuri Castle Park". Along with a number of other ''[[gusuku]]'' and related sites across the island, Shuri Castle was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000<ref>Technically, it is the ruins and the site below and around the rebuilt castle which are recognized by UNESCO, which does not consider reconstructions for World Heritage Site status. The reconstructed castle sits some 70cm higher above the ground than the original, in order to protect the ruins. Gallery labels, Shuri castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/29748729191/in/dateposted-public/]</ref>.

==History==

==History==