Practically at the very center of Sri Lanka, among dense bright emerald vegetation, there is a majestic cliff. Many centuries ago, its peak housed an incredibly beautiful city – full of gardens, fountains, exquisite buildings and luxurious squares. This is the mountain named Sigiriya – one of the main attractions of Sri-Lanka.

The way to the old city is not easy. You may get to the very cliff by taxi or bus, but climbing is a different adventure. The city is located at an altitude of more than 180 meters. The way to it lies among tangled roads, narrow staircases and a suspension bridge through a deep abyss. Nevertheless, it is worth passing the way to see the fascinating ruins and an incredible view from the top of the cliff.

In the past, beginning from the 3rd century, Buddhist monks lived on this remote high ground. However, everything changed in the 5th century. A cruel King Kashyapa decided to run away from the stalkers, especially from his brother, who wanted to avenge the death of his father. In order not to allow anyone to get to his home, he chose a high cliff as his palace. The best masters worked over creating a splendid city where Kashyapa had to live for more than 18 years without going down to the ground. They built squares and fountains, made sophisticated staircases between the buildings, constructed not just houses but real masterpieces.

Unfortunately, not all the majesty of this palace complex has survived to our time. You can see a great royal throne, as well as a gallery with frescoes. First, there were less than 500 of them, but only 17 have survived to this day. Half-naked women whirling in a beautiful dance are depicted on them. It is supposed that this gallery led to a building where the concubines of King Kashyapa lived. They were the most beautiful girls in that region.

The name Sigiriya, which means «Lion Rock», was given to the mountain for the following reason: there are paws of a huge stone lion at its bottom. Long ago that was a big sculpture with a ferocious animal grin, which was supposed to scare all the travelers and enemies and prevent them from willing to go up to the city under the very sky. Nowadays, only paws are left from that monster. A big stone staircase starts from the paws. It leads to the peak of the cliff, to the very castle.