Sigiriya (from the Sinhalese "Lion Rock") is one of the main symbols of Sri Lanka and is extremely popular with tourists. It is located in the central area of ​​Sri Lanka - Matale - and a rock with an ancient fortress and palace ruins. It is surrounded by the remains of the ancient gardens and ponds. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings - frescoes that resemble caves of Ajanta in India.

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

King Kassapa I came to power by killing his father and seized power from his brother. Rightly fearing revenge last, he lived in a fortified palace, built on the rock, which was considered impregnable place. However, this is where he was defeated after a short but fierce battle in the year 495, after which he cut his throat. After the death of Kassapa, Moggallana returned Sigiriya monks, condemning her to neglect.

During the eleven years that he lived in Sigiriya Kassapa, he created a pompous residence and founded their capital, the impressive remains of which are still preserved. On top of the cliff is a palace with its ruined buildings, sculptures and a swimming pool. At the foot of the cliff are two blocks of downtown, which is protected by two massive walls of oriental quarter, which was not entirely excavated and aristocratic quarter, which houses gardens, lavishly decorated with fountains and channels.

Halfway up the rock, in a rocky cave in the vertical wall on the west side are rock carvings that have received worldwide fame and became one of the symbols of Sri Lanka - "maiden from the cloud": 21 female figure, comparable with the most beautiful creations of Ajanta.

Poems scratched on the rock, known as "Graffiti Sigiriya", are among the most ancient texts in Sinhala language, and thus show a significant impact on the Sigiriya literature and philosophy.

Sigiriya is one of eight Sri Lankan World Heritage Site.