Sigiriya: Sri Lanka's Ancient Jewel
Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri, is an ancient fortress located on a giant granite rock in the northern Matale district, near the town of Dambulla in Central Province, Sri Lanka. This fortress, about 180 meters high, is an imposing symbol of the historical past and has outstanding archaeological value.
The image above shows the transformation of Sigiriya over two times: 1904 and 2022. In the photo from the early 20th century, we see a man standing next to a large rock, giving us a sense of the past. Its impressive tissue. Meanwhile, the more modern photo shows the base of the rock with traces of time that have obscured the sculptural details, but still retains its majesty.
Sigiriya is considered one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural heritage sites and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 5th century, Sigiriya is a piece of legendary history, believed to be the residence of king Kasyapa. The large wall and its drawings became famous around the world.
In 2022, despite many centuries, Sigiriya still stands as a testament to the architectural art and ingenious construction techniques of the ancients. This place is not only a destination for history and archeology lovers, but also a source of inspiration for many artists, poets, and culture enthusiasts.
Sigiriya's resilience over time serves as a reminder to present and future generations of the greatness of the past, and the need to preserve this legacy for the future.
