The Shrine of King Naresuan the Great is located in the old city of Pitsanulok on the west bank of the Nan River. Naresuan was born here in the Wang Chang Palace in 1555 and his introduction to warfare occurred at an early age. As a young prince he was held as a hostage of the Burmese for many years when Phitsanulok was overrun by Burmese troops. Later he would return to lead an army in a series of victories to liberate his kingdom. Understandably he is revered here and throughout the nation.