Sigiriya

Sigiriya
At the end of the 5th century, this enormous complex was constructed by Prince Kasyapa. Being in fear of an invasion, he tried to make it as impenetrable as possible. Even in the 20th century, he seems to have succeeded well in this objective.

The site is also known as Lions Rock. At the level below the top, two very big lions claws give way to the final and most important stage of the complex, the palace. According to old descriptions, in the past you had to walk through the wide-open mouth of a lion to get there.

Halfway on Sigiriya-rock, you can see very special mural paintings. They are non-religious representations of women, of which some have been preserved very well. Some sources even say that the whole western face of the rock used to be covered with these paintings (of 500 women).

Sigiriya is situated in the north of Sri Lanka. Actually it is a flat rock, from a distance not unlike Ayers Rock in Australia.

WHS Hotspot .



Visit August 1996

The site in total is quite an experience. First you have to climb a number of stairs. You walk past the paintings of the women, an awesome sight in itself. Then you reach a platform where you can take a rest before the real hard work starts: between the claws of a lion an iron ladder reaches steeply upwards along the rock.

Finally, on top of the rock, you see the site where the palace of the Prince used to stand (now only the ruins are left).

Reviews

Janaka Priyalal ():
It's a GREAT place. Unbelievable, visit & BELIEVE...
Date posted: September 2006
Dominique Deschamps (France):
Hello, i am curently gathering information about world heritage project SIRIGIYA. We may have some initiative to support the fundraising period with the internet.
http://reporter.orangeblog.fr
Date posted: June 2006
lumbini (sri lanka):
The 'frescoes' and the 'graffitti' on the mirror wall are a treat. Initially there have been about 500 frescoes of the sigiriya maidens. But unfortunately the numbers have been reduced to many reasons.
The climb up is a bit tedious, but don't miss it, you'll be rewarded
 
Gayan (srilanka):
It's the best place to visit if you come down to srilanka.
 


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