Ancient City of Sigiriya





Built upon Lion Rock, it is an engineering marvel and one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in Sri Lanka.



A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered as the 8th Wonder of the World, Sigiriya, or “the Lion’s Rock,” is a massive rock formation that towers more than 650 feet (198 meters) high. Carved into a city fortress on the orders of King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) in the fifth century, Sigiriya soon grew into an exceptionally elaborate, beautiful place, complete with sprawling terraced gardens with fountains, myriad frescoes, carved stone walkways and avenues, and finally, a towering palace perched atop the giant rock formation itself. ​


Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriyas’ inspiring setting. ​


Today, highlights of Sigiriya include the Mirror Wall, so-named because it was once constructed from highly polished porcelain; the stunning frescoes of Sigiriya, reminiscent of India’s Ajanta Caves; and the palace itself, surrounded by a complex network of moats, reservoirs, cisterns, gardens and additional structures. Sigiriya employed a sophisticated hydraulic technology to elevate water to the summit which is an engineering marvel and a mystery even today. ​



History





It was built in 5th century AD by king Kasyapa as a fortress-palace. Legend says that King Kasyapa murdered his father Dhatusena, and claimed the thrown for himself. However, Kasyapa was not the direct heir and he was fearful that his half brother Prince Moggallana would return from exile in India and rightfully claim his crown. Moggallana did return to find Kasyapa’s army waiting for him. Despite building an impenetrable stronghold, Kasyapa was defeated. Abandoned by his army, Kasyapa killed himself and left his half-brother to reign from his castle paradise.


Hidden in the caves of Sigiriya’s Rock Fortress is the Sigiriya frescoes – ancient paintings of maidens that date back to the 5th century. Although only a few remain today, according to research and ancient graffiti that is inscribed on the walls, the entire western face of the Sigirya rock would have been covered with these frescoes. Worthy of being called the “eighth wonder of the world”, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s answer to the Taj Mahal and will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design.



World famous Sigiriya Frescos date back to 5th Century





The Sigiriya Frescoes (alternately known as the Sigiriya Ladies or Sigiriya Damsels) are a set of ancient frescoes located in a small cave about 100 meters up the towering Sigiriya rock. They're considered one of the top attractions of Sigiriya itself and are non-religious paintings which have survived from antiquity in Sri Lanka.


Apparently, the ostentatious King Kaspaya decided on Sigiriya as his palace in the 1st century BC and, as a testament to his grandeur, actually white-washed the entire rock and added a 40-meter wide band of paintings decorating the entire western side of the Rock. After more than a millennium exposed to the elements, the nineteen Sigiriya Frescoes are all that we have left of this once magnificent palatial complex.



Lion's paw, the entrance to the summit



Pidurangala Rock



Irrigation system used in Sigiriya is a mystery even today



Ritigala Forest Monastery



Sunset as seen from Sigiriya Rock Fortress



Water Ponds atop Sigiriya Rock Fortress



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