History of Sigiriya Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress and palace located in the Matale District of central Sri Lanka. Rising more than 200 metres above the surrounding plains, it stands as one of the most remarkable examples of early urban planning, engineering and landscape design in human history. The story of Sigiriya begins in the late 5th century CE when King Kashyapa I seized the throne from his father and feared that his rightful heir, his half-brother Moggallana, would attempt to reclaim power. To secure his rule, Kashyapa moved the capital from Anuradhapura to the central highlands and chose the massive rock as the site for his palace and stronghold. At the summit, Kashyapa built an elaborate palace complex that included royal residences, courtyards and viewing platforms with sweeping views of the plains below. The western face of the rock was adorned with colourful frescoes — delicate paintings of female figures believed to be celestial maidens — which remain among the most iconic artworks of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation. Below the palace, an extensive series of gardens, ponds, fountains and terraces was laid out in perfect symmetry, demonstrating advanced hydraulic engineering and landscape artistry. These water gardens include channels, pools and pressure-fed fountains that still operate during the rainy season, a testament to the ingenuity of the builders. In 495 CE, Kashyapa’s reign ended when his brother Moggallana returned from exile with an army and defeated him in battle. After Kashyapa’s death, Sigiriya was abandoned as a royal capital, and the site later became a Buddhist monastery that remained in use for several centuries. European rediscovery occurred in the early 19th century when British explorer Major Jonathan Forbes recognized the significance of the site’s ruins and gardens. Archaeological excavations thereafter revealed much of Sigiriya’s palace foundations and artistic treasures. Today, Sigiriya is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value as both a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a cultural symbol of Sri Lanka’s historical achievements.

Sigiriya Frescoes The famous Sigiriya frescoes are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. These colourful paintings, located in a sheltered gallery on the western face of the rock, are believed to depict celestial maidens or royal women. The soft colours, graceful forms and delicate brushwork show the advanced artistic skills of the 5th century.

Water Gardens and Landscape Design At the base of the rock lies a beautifully planned system of water gardens, pools, fountains and pathways. These gardens demonstrate sophisticated hydraulic engineering, including underground channels and pressure-fed fountains that still function during the rainy season. The layout reflects one of the earliest examples of formal landscape architecture in South Asia.

The Mirror Wall The Mirror Wall is a highly polished brick wall located along the western side of the rock. In ancient times it was so smooth that the king could see his own reflection while walking beside it. Over many centuries, visitors carved poems, comments and personal messages on the surface, creating an invaluable historical record of early Sinhala writing.

The Lion Staircase and Entrance One of the most dramatic features of the site is the Lion Staircase. In ancient times, visitors entered the final ascent to the summit through a massive brick lion structure. Today only the enormous paws remain, but they still clearly indicate the scale and symbolic importance of the original entrance design.

Archaeology and Conservation Systematic archaeological research at Sigiriya has revealed palace foundations, water systems, garden layouts and residential areas. Conservation work continues today in order to protect the frescoes, brick structures and landscape features from natural weathering and human impact.