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The temple was originally set up in 607 on Prince Shotoku's instructions, and at the time it was called "Ikaruga-dera"(斑鳩寺). In 670 it was burned down, but gradually re-built until early 8th century. Later, it became a major religious center for Hosso Buddhism .
In 1993, Horyu-ji was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, the Japanese government lists it as a national treasure.