Sigiriya, meaning “Lion Rock,” derives its name from the majestic entrance shaped like a recumbent lion, with remnants of its colossal paws still visible at the palace’s entrance. For approximately 15 years, this rock fortress served as the political center of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its impressive preservation, Sigiriya stands as one of the finest examples of planned urban cities from the first millennium in South and Southeast Asia.

The urban landscape of Sigiriya features a series of concentric zones, surrounded by an outer moat—still partially unexplored—that forms a precise rectangular shape. These zones radiate from the iconic Sigiriya rock, with the city plan stretching approximately 3 km from east to west and 1 km from north to south.

Mirror Wall

At the highest point of the Terrace Garden, the Mirror Wall can be accessed by a series of steps. This architectural marvel, known for its polished surface, is not only a stunning feature but also a significant literary treasure. The wall bears a wealth of graffiti that reflects the history, society, and economy of the time, capturing the emotions inspired by the beauty of the Sigiriya maidens and the tranquility of the surroundings. Professor Senarath Paranavitana meticulously studied 685 of these poetic inscriptions and published his findings.

Lion Staircase

From the Lion’s Paws Terrace, access to the palace is granted through the Lion King’s Entrance. The Lion Staircase, facing north, is flanked by the majestic lion’s paws, constructed from brick and coated in plaster. Currently, only the two front paws of the colossal lion head are visible. These paws rest on a slender, ornately molded platform, designed to resemble a scaled-up model of a real lion. Historical evidence and remnants suggest that an impressive lion’s jaw once adorned this entrance. It is believed that the rock was originally named Sihagira, which eventually evolved into the present name, Sigiriya.

Paintings

The Western face of the rock was once adorned with vibrant paintings. Within a cave on the rock’s side, visitors can find depictions of heavenly dames, or Apsaras, who graced the king’s court. These ethereal figures are illustrated floating among the clouds, holding flowers and trays as they journey to the nearby temple shrine at Pidurangala. The broad brush strokes and distinctive painting techniques on these figures exemplify the classical qualities of the era. This artistic style bears a striking resemblance to the renowned mural paintings of Ajanta in India.

Royal Palace

Perched at the summit of the rock, the royal palace spans approximately 1.5 hectares and served as the central hub of the ancient city. The palace complex is divided into three main sectors: the lower palace, the upper palace, and the palace garden. Professor Senaka Bandaranayake highlights that the palace, along with the imposing lion, symbolized royal authority and control, casting a powerful presence over the surrounding landscape and asserting dominance across the territory of Sigiriya.