Sigiriya Lion Fortress - the 8th natural wonder of the world.

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient castle located in the heart of Sri Lanka, on a rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level. The Sigiriya plateau was formed after a volcanic eruption and rises more than 200 meters above the surrounding forests. The scenery is a perfect harmony between natural beauty and human ingenuity.

On this flat Sigiriya plateau lies the remains of the ancient city of Sigiriya, the capital built by King Kassapa I (448-495) in the 5th century. The royal palace, built atop the rocks, was considered impregnable and adorned with magnificent, colorful frescoes. After the death of Kassapa I, the palace was used as a Buddhist monastery.

The impressive remains of this ancient capital still exist today, with its complex system of fortifications surrounded by terraced gardens, walkways, ponds, canals, fountains, and rock sculptures, now in ruins due to its isolation from the outside world for hundreds of years. The main entrance to the palace, located north of the rocky plateau, was designed like a giant stone lion; its legs still remain today, but the front part of its body has been destroyed by time. Because of this stone lion statue, the place is named Sigiriya, derived from Sihagri, meaning lion.

The architectural structures and gardens of Sigiriya showcase the unique skills and technologies employed by ancient artisans. The construction of these fortresses on a rocky plateau over 200 meters high was a masterful and advanced technique for its time.

The western wall of Sigiriya features colossal frescoes, 140 meters long and 40 meters high, carved into the rock during the reign of King Kasyapa I, depicting Sigiriya beauties. The identities of these figures remain a mystery; however, some believe they were concubines or priestesses performing religious rituals. An estimated 500 frescoes were once present in the area. However, only about 22 remain today, some of which are remarkably well-preserved with vibrant and vivid colors. These frescoes are considered the origin of the figurative style that has endured for centuries and are masterpieces that continue to inspire admiration. The graceful lines in the frescoes are said to resemble the Ajanta style of painting from India.

On the walls, there are also poems carved into the stone by visitors from all over the world, known as Sigiri graffiti, the oldest texts in the Sinhalese language. Therefore, this place is considered the greatest heritage site of the ancient capital under King Kassapa I.

In 1982, UNESCO declared the ancient city of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka a World Heritage Site requiring strict protection. Although no longer a complete palace and fortress, with careful preservation, it is considered a perfectly preserved ancient city with a hydraulic system that still functions today. The precious remaining traces of Sigiriya are enough to show the extraordinary strength and creativity of the ancient Sri Lankans.

Ha Le