Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Overview
Sigiriya is one of the most iconic landmarks, and many visitors find this site the most impressive site in Sri Lanka, with its stunning views from the top and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Singagiri (the Tamil name for the fort) translates to Lion Rock/Mount.
Sri Lankan school history books taught us that a King named Kaasiappa overthrew his father and killed him. Fearing an attack by his stepbrother and the rightful heir to the throne, he built a new capital in Sigiriya and moved away from the then capital Anuradhapura. He built an impenetrable citadel on a rock 650 ft high, and he ruled the kingdom from here from 477 - 495 AD.
There is a clear view of the surrounding areas with 1200 steps to reach the top of the rock. The entrance to Sigiriya is through a gateway in the form of a huge lion. It is recommended only to those who have a head for heights, best to start the climb early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the direct heat of the sun as there are no shades when you get to the plateau. Allow about on average 45 minutes to climb to the top.
The King built the gateway on a plateau located halfway up the rock. A staircase emerges and is guarded on either side by a pair of monumental lion’s paws. For this reason, Sigiriya has gained the nickname of Lion Rock.
The King created a “mirror wall”, the highly polished wall was originally designed so that the King could see his reflection when walking by. Since then, the “mirror wall” became a graffiti board, covered in verses scribbled by Sigriya’s many visitors some of the messages go back to the 8th century AD. The graffiti is of great interest to historians because it shows them the development of the Sinhala language and script. The wall is being treated to an ongoing protective restoration to preserve the existing ancient graffiti.
A huge part of the walkway was covered in colourful fresco paintings depicting semi-naked female figures, however, only a small section of this now remains on the way up via the spiral staircases.
The city includes several impressive archaeological and architectural features. Additionally, the King constructed landscaped gardens throughout and a moat with earthworks.
Discover the vast history of the plateau at the onsite museum before making the climb on dizzying staircases.
This is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka that is not to be missed if you are anywhere in the region.
