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| Cave dwellings of monks. |
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| An ancient stairway. |
Sigiriya (Lion Rock, Sinhala: සීගිරිය,
pronounced see-gee-REE-yah Tamil: சிகிரியா) is
located in the central Matale District of the Central Province, Sri Lanka.
The name refers to a site of historical and archeaological significance that is
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 CE) 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.[1]
Sigiriya
today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best
preserved examples of ancient urban planning.[2] It is the most visited historic site
in Sri Lanka.[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigiriya
To see a Youtube presentation click on the web-link below:-
