Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is located in Matale district of Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya is a castle on a massive rock about 200 meters (660 feet) high.
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle - Mahanvansa, this site was chosen by King Kashyapa (477 - 495 AD) for his capital.
He built his palace on top of that rock, and decorated the sides of the rock with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway to the top of the cliff, he built an entrance in the form of a huge lion. The name of this place comes from this structure - "Sinhagiri" Lion Rock or Lion's Throat.
The plan of the park surrounding Sigiriya is considered very complex and creative. The plan combines the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry, intentionally combines man-made geometric and natural forms of the surroundings.
On the west side of the cliff is a park for the royal family, laid out on a symmetrical plan; The park contains water conservation facilities, including complex surface and subsurface hydraulic systems. Some of them are still in operation today.
On the south side - there is an artificial pond; There were five gates to enter the park. The more elaborate western gate is believed to had been reserved for members of the royal family.
After the death of the king, Sigiriya was used as a Buddhist monastery.
Sigiriya is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Since 1982) This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. And it is one of the most visited historical monuments in Sri Lanka.