SIGIRIYA - The Rememberance Rock
Sigiriya (Lion Rock, Sinhalese - සීගිරිය, pronounced see-gee-REE-yah) is located in the central Matale District of the Central Province, Sri Lanka in an area dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa the site was selected by King Kasyapa
(477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of
this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small
plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the
form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this
structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace
were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist
monastery until the 14th century.
Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.
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