Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of
Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient
palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and
attracts thousands of tourists annually. It is probably the most visited
tourist destination in Sri Lanka.
The palace is located in the heart of the island between
Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level.
Entrance to Sigiria can only be purchased at the site!
Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from the magma of an extinct
volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes
the visitors with the unique harmony between nature and human imagination.
The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace,
surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds,
canals, alleys, and fountains.
The surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhibited for
several thousand years. Since the 3rd century BC, the rocky plateau of Sigiriya
has served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th-century king, Kasyapa
constructed a royal residence here.
After his death, Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery
until the 14th century, when it was abandoned.
The main entrance is located on the northern side of the
rock. It was designed as a huge stone lion whose feet have survived until
today, but the upper parts of the body were destroyed.
Thanks to this lion, the palace was named Sigiriya. The term
Sigiriya originates from the word Sihagri, i.e., Lion Rock.
The western wall of Sigiriya was almost entirely covered by
frescoes created during the reign of Kasyapa. Eighteen frescoes have survived
to this day.
The frescoes depict nude females and are considered to be
either portraits of Kadapa’s wives and concubines or priestesses performing
religious rituals. Despite the unknown identity of the females depicted in the
frescoes, these unique ancient paintings celebrate female beauty and have incredible
historical significance.
One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror
wall. In the old days, it was polished so thoroughly that the king could see
his reflection. The Mirror wall is painted with inscriptions and poems written
by the visitors of Sigiriya.
The most ancient inscriptions are dated from the 8th
century. These inscriptions prove that Sigiriya was a tourist destination over
a thousand years ago. Today, painting on the wall is strictly prohibited.
