大極殿とは794年に創建された、平安京の大内裏があった場所。
即位等国家の重要儀式が行われた正庁「朝堂院」の正殿であり、周囲に宮殿・官庁が並ぶ、大内裏（平安宮）の中でも最も重要な場所であった。度重なる焼失と修復再建が繰り返されたが，安元3(1177)年の大火で焼失して以降，再建されなかった。明治28(1895)年，平安遷都千百年紀念祭にあたり，湯本文彦が平安京の実測を行い大極殿をこの地に定めた。
※囲いの中には立ち入らないでください。
Daigokuden is the site where the Imperial Palace of Heian-kyo was established in 794. It served as the main hall of the "Chodoin," the official hall where important state ceremonies, such as imperial ascension, were held. Surrounded by palaces and government offices, it was the most significant location within the Heian Palace.
Although it underwent repeated fires and restorations, it was not rebuilt after being destroyed in a major fire in 1177.
In 1895, for the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, Fumihiko YUMOTO conducted a survey of Heian-kyo and designated this site for Daigokuden.