by Songtsen Gampo Founded 637 Date renovated Modern palace constructed by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1645 Renovated:1989 to 1994, 2002 Type Tibetan Buddhist Lineage Dalai Lama Head Lama 14th Dalai Lama Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa * UNESCO World Heritage Site   State Party China Type Cultural Criteria i,