Sigiriya (translated from the Sinhalese "Lion rock") is one of the main symbols of Sri Lanka and is very popular among tourists. It is located in a Central area of Sri Lanka - Matale - and is a rock with an ancient fortress and the ruins of the Palace. It is surrounded by the remains of an ancient garden and ponds. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings - frescos which are reminiscent of the caves of Ajanta in India.

Sigiriya may have been inhabited in prehistoric times and was used as a monastery since the 5th century BC According to historical records, the entire complex was built by king Kassapa (477 - 495 ad), and after his death it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.

King Kassapa I came to power by killing his father and taking away the power from his brother. Rightly fearing the vengeance of the latter, lived in a fortified Palace built on this rock, which was considered impregnable. Nevertheless, there he was defeated after a short but fierce battle in the year 495, and then he slit his throat. After the death of Kassapa, Moggallana returned Sigiriya monks, condemning it to neglect.

In the eleven years that Kassapa lived in Sigiriya, he created a grandiose residence and founded their capital, the impressive ruins of which are still preserved. On top of the rock is the Palace with its ruined buildings, sculptures and a swimming pool. At the foot of the cliffs are two quarters of the lower city, which is guarded by two massive walls: the Eastern block, which was not excavated until the end, and quarter nobles, which houses gardens, richly decorated with the channels and fountains.

Halfway up the cliff, in a rocky cave in a vertical wall on the Western side were the rock paintings, which gained worldwide fame and became one of the symbols of Sri Lanka - "the virgin of the clouds": 21 female figure, comparable with the most beautiful creations of Ajanta.

Verses scratched on a rock, known as "Graffiti of Sigiriya", are one of the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language, and thus show a significant influence of Sigiriya on literature and philosophy.

Sigiriya is one of eight Sri Lankan world heritage site by UNESCO.