The construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa was begun by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1645.
The current (14th) Dalai Lama recalls that it was a dark and cold place. He fled to India with the Chinese entry into Tibet in 1959.
Today it is a museum, and consequently since it is no longer a functioning buddhist building the rooms seem empty and lifeless.
The view from the roof over Lhasa is spectacular.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.