Paro Taa Dzong is a historic fortress located in the Paro valley of Bhutan. It is one of the oldest and most iconic dzongs in the country, with a history that dates back over 350 years.

The construction of Paro Taa Dzong was commissioned by the Tibetan lama and military leader, Desi Tenzin Rabgay, in 1649. It was built on a hilltop overlooking the Paro valley as a defense against invading Tibetan armies. The dzong served as a watchtower and lookout post, providing a strategic vantage point for monitoring the movement of troops and goods along the Paro valley.

Over the centuries, Paro Taa Dzong has undergone several renovations and expansions, and it has served many different functions. In the 1960s, it was converted into a museum, showcasing Bhutanese art, religion, and culture. The museum was later moved to a new location, and in 2008, the dzong was reopened as the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing exhibits on Bhutan’s history and culture.

In 2011, Paro Taa Dzong suffered extensive damage in a massive earthquake, and it took several years of restoration work to repair the damage. Today, the dzong is once again open to visitors, and it remains an important cultural and historical landmark in Bhutan.