Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A British guidebook from the early 1900s calculated that Jetavanarama contained
enough bricks to make a 3m-high wall stretching from London to Edinburgh.
Behind it stand the ruins of a monastery that housed 3000 monks. One building has door
jambs over 8m high still standing, with another 3m underground.
Jetavanarama Museum
MUSEUM
A 1937 British colonial building provides a suitably regal venue for some of the treasures
found at Jetavanarama. The objects displayed here show great artisanship and detail. Look
for the elaborate carved urinal in Room 1. In the fittingly named Treasure Room there are
beautiful examples of jewellery, necklaces, carvings and pottery. Look for the 7th-century
gold Buddhas.
Buddhist Railing
HISTORIC SITE
A little south of the Jetavanarama Dagoba, on the other side of the road, there is a stone
railing built in imitation of a log wall. It encloses a site 42m by 34m, but the building with-
in has long disappeared.
Museum Quarter
Anuradhapura has one main museum, the Archaeological Museum, which covers most of
the local sites. Two other museums, the Abhayagiri Museum and Jetavanarama Museum,
are closely tied to their namesake sites.
Archaeological Museum
MUSEUM
public holidays)
The old British colonial administration building has recently been renovated and has an in-
teresting collection of artwork, carvings and everyday items from Anuradhapura and other
historic sites around Sri Lanka.
