Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily, and you'll have to climb a series of vertigin-
ous staircases attached to sheer walls to reach the top. On the way you'll pass a series of
quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion's paws carved into the bedrock. The
surrounding landscape - lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens and quiet shrines - and the
excellent site museum, only add to Sigiriya's rock-star appeal.
History
Peppered with natural cave shelters and rock overhangs - supplemented over the centuries
by numerous hand-hewn additions and modifications - Sigiriya may have been inhabited
in prehistoric times.
The established historical theory is that the rock formation served royal and military
functions during the reign of King Kassapa (AD 477-495), who built a garden and palace
on the summit. According to this theory, King Kassapa sought out an unassailable new res-
idence after overthrowing and murdering his own father, King Dhatusena of
Anuradhapura. However, in recent years some archaeologists have challenged this view-
point and believe Sigiriya was not a fortress-palace but a monastery and religious site.
After the 14th century the complex was abandoned. British archaeologist HCP Bell re-
discovered the ruins in 1898, which were further excavated by British explorer John Still
in 1907.
Unesco declared Sigiriya a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Sights
