| Sigiriya | |
|---|---|
.jpeg) Sigiriya ancient rock | |
| Location | Central Province, Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 07°57′25″N 80°45′35″E / 7.95694°N 80.75972°E |
| Elevation | 349 m (1,145 ft)[1] |
| Built for | King Kashyapa of Sri Lanka |
| Visitors | 1 million |
| Governing body | Government of Sri Lanka |
| Website | www.sigiriyafortress.com |
| Official name | Ancient City of Sigiriya |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii, iv |
| Designated | 1982 (6th session) |
| Reference no. | 202 |
| UNESCO Region | Asia-Pacific |
  Location of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka | |
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா/சிங்ககிரி, 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 180 m (590 ft) high.[2]
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 (AD 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; Siṃhagiri, 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.[3] Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.[4]
- ^ "Sigiriya". Encyclopedia Britannica. 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Ancient City of Sigiriya". whc.unesco.org. UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
- ^ Ponnamperuma, Senani (2013). The Story of Sigiriya. Panique Pty Ltd. ISBN 978-0-9873451-7-2.
- ^ Bandaranayake, Senake; Aramudala, Madhyama Saṃskr̥tika (2005). Sigiriya: City, Palace, Gardens, Monasteries, Painting. Central Cultural Fund. ISBN 978-955-631-146-4.