Sigiriya rock


 Sigiriya or Sinhagiri  is an ancient rock  located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the central  province , sri lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock around 180 metres (590 ft) high.According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the culavamsa, this site was selected by King kashyapa(477 – 495 AD) 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 capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed world heritage site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning


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