Sigiriya citadel (the “Lion Rock”) is an ancient Sri Lankan palace dating from the 5th century AD, located in the north-east of Sri Lanka. It sits atop a colossal 200-metre-high rock, reached via the imposing Lion Gate. At the heart of this complex, a gem of Sri Lankan archaeology, are frescoes and a “mirror wall”. From the top of the rock, the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see.
Although the site is thought to have been inhabited during prehistoric times, it served as a Buddhist religious retreat from the 3rd century BC onward. It was not truly occupied, however, until the 5th century AD. Following the usurpation of the Sri Lankan throne by the youngest brother of a royal family, he built atop the rock what he intended to be an indestructible fortress combined with a palace modelled on that of the god of wealth, in preparation for the return of his elder brother, exiled in India. Defeated on the day of the invasion, the younger brother took his own life; the elder brother then returned Sigiriya to the Buddhist monks, who found peace and solitude there until the 12th century, when the rock was abandoned and fell into obscurity.
Nearby, a museum offers further insight into the site's history and構造. The complex's gardens contain ancient pools and reservoirs, also worth a visit.
