The pictured World Heritage Site is situated in what country?
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (meaning Lion Rock) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale district near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. King Kashyapa, during his reign of 473 – 495 AD, built his palace on the top of this rock, decorated its sides with beautiful frescos, and fashioned the gateway as an enormous lion. This is how the fortress gained its name.
The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. After that, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. In 1982, the fortress was named as a UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. It is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Main features of Sigiriya rock are Sigiri graffiti, Lion's Paw entrance, Boulders Garden, Mirror wall, Fresco paintings, extensive networks of landscaped gardens, Water Gardens, and the remains of the palace.
C Jagoda