Dzongs in Bhutan are like the great fortresses, citadels or castles in Europe. Dzongs are among the most outstanding examples of Bhutanese architecture and prominent landmarks in each District. They were first introduced into Bhutan around the 12th century. Owned by great, powerful families, they were used for centuries as royal palaces, from where local lords administered their lands.

To consolidate and exercise the power of the state, Ngawang Namgyel had a new set of fortresses build in the first half of the 17th century. They were to be regional outposts where the central power administered the country and defended it against possible intrusion from beyond its borders. But in addition to these administrative and military functions, Ngawang Namgyel added those of a monastery. Because of this, most of the Dzongs played an important role in the religious life of the local inhabitants. While Bhutan’s Dzongs recall those to be found in Tibet, the degree of architectural perfection is quite specific to the country. Reflecting a certain conception of religion, society and spatial organization, the Dzongs are a symbol of the history and long independence of Bhutan. They stand proudly in strategic positions, at the entrance to valleys, at the summits of hills or the confluence of rivers. Most of them are built according to the same plan, following the example of Simtokha Dzong in Thimphu which dates to 1629. Practically all were laid out in the same way, forming a rough parallelogram divided into several interior courtyards. The walls are built of stone and beaten mud, while the upper storey’s make considerable use of wood.

The massive stone walls risk steeply, leaning slightly inwards up to the solid roof, giving the impression of an impregnable stronghold. Inside these great outer walls, the courtyards are generally paved with large stone slabs. In the middle is a massive tower known as the Utshe (Pinnacle). The upper floors of Utshe contain temples. The buildings around the courtyards, abutting against the outer walls, are usually half-timbered. They rise two or three storeys, with galleries, balconies and arcades. Behind the arcades are the monk’s quarters and administrative offices. A precise internal boundary separates the religious buildings from the secular ones. However, this separation cannot be seen in the actual structural design of the buildings. Taschichhodznog is the largest and most modern Dzongs in Bhutan. It was rebuilt in the 1960s using traditional building techniques and materials. Nevertheless the building has several features that distinguish it from the conventional Dzongs. While a Dzong at present day houses District Administrative functionaries, the temples or Lhakhangs are places of reverence.

While half of the Dzongs are used by the monastic body – the other half is used for District Administration functionaries. The monks enliven the Dzong in the morning and evening with the magical, distant sound of rituals and prayers. But it is at the time of the Tshechu (Annual Religious Festival) that the Dzong really comes to life. The Dzongs in Bhutan have their own festivals once a year, celebrated with sacred Mask Dances.