Unveiling the Ancient Art of Building Stone Fortresses on High Hills

Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri, is an ancient rock fortress located in Sri Lanka. According to ancient chronicles, this area was once a vast forest. However, due to storms and landslides, it transformed into a prominent hill. In the 5th century AD, the hill became the new capital of Sri Lanka. King Kashyapa (477-495) constructed a palace adorned with frescoes on top of the hill. He also erected a magnificent lion-shaped gateway on a plateau leading to the palace. This distinctive gateway gave the fortress its name, “Sinhagiri,” meaning the lion rock.

Following the king’s demise, the capital began serving as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today, Sigiriya rock fortress is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

According to the chronicles, there was also a mirror wall leading to the palace. Originally covered with white plaster, this brick wall had such a reflective surface that the king could see his own reflection as he walked alongside it.

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