Sigiriya is an ancient rock
fortress located in the central 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 nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the
ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa,
this 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 was
abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the
14th century.
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