World Heritage Ancient Cities and Old Town to visit in Sri Lanka
Two ancient cities – Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya and old town Galle are three of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Ancient City of Sigiriya
- Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Poḷonnaruwa, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
The ancient city Polonnaruwa, the second oldest of all Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Polonnaruwa, was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom. It was renamed Jananathamangalam by the Chola dynasty after their successful invasion of the country’s then capital, Anuradhapura
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock ) is an ancient rock fortress, located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 180 m high
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides, it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) for his new capital.
The King built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes, dominates the jungle from all sides. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock.
The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king’s death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.
Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 kilometres from Colombo capital. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, and is the capital of Galle District.
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British.
Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
