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Sigiriya

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock , , pronounced SEE-gi-ri-yə) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately high.

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Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in central Sri Lanka, dominated by a massive granite column that rises dramatically from the landscape. It is significant as a historical and archaeological site that offers insight into Sri Lanka's past.

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Place details

Locality: Ehalagala
Region: Central Province
Country: Sri Lanka
Population: 1,001

Article

16 sections

Contents

History
Historical past
Archaeological remains and features
Site plan
Frescoes
1967 vandalism incident
Mirror wall
Gardens
Water gardens
Boulder gardens
Terraced gardens
In popular culture
See also
References
Further reading
External links

According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (CE 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace on 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; Sinhagiri, the Lion Rock.