Sri lankan World Heritage Sites

**Sigiriya**, also known as **Lion Rock**, is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the **Central Province of Sri Lanka**. Here are some key details: ### 1. **Historical Significance** * **Built by King Kashyapa I (477 – 495 CE)** as a royal palace and fortress. * After the king’s death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. ### 2. **Architectural Features** * The fortress is built atop a 200-meter high rock column. * The complex includes **terraced gardens**, **water gardens**, **cave temples**, and **frescoes**. * A massive **lion-shaped gateway** once guarded the entrance—only the **lion’s paws** remain today, giving the site its name. ### 3. **Frescoes and Mirror Wall** * The **frescoes**, painted on the rock face, are some of the oldest and best-preserved examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. * The **Mirror Wall** was so polished that the king could see his reflection; it also contains ancient graffiti. ### 4. **Engineering Marvel** * The site showcases advanced hydraulic systems, including **water retention structures**, canals, and fountains that still function today. ### 5. **Tourism and Cultural Value** * Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist destinations. * It reflects a blend of **natural beauty**, **urban planning**, and **cultural symbolism**. Would you like information on visiting Sigiriya or its mythology as well?