Polonnaruwa
EasternBuddhistcitySouth Asia993 CE - 1293 CE
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Location
Country
Sri Lanka
Region
South Asia
Coordinates
7.9403, 81.0188
Era
993 CE - 1293 CE
Site Type
City
About
Sri Lanka's medieval royal capital, containing the best-preserved ruins of Parakramabahu I's Buddhist city including the monumental Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha sculptures.
Significance
The pinnacle of medieval Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization; the Gal Vihara's colossal rock-cut standing and reclining Buddhas are among the finest Buddhist sculptures in South Asia.
History & Historical Arc
Became capital when Anuradhapura fell to Chola invasion in 993 CE; reached its height under King Parakramabahu I (r. 115…
Archaeological Notes
The Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) irrigation reservoir covers 2,591 hectares and remains in use today. Over 100 m…
Key Features & Structures
- Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas (4 images)
- Vatadage circular relic house
Visitor Information
Archaeological Park open daily; requires a Cultural Triangle ticket. Located 216 km northeast of Colombo.
Related Figures
King Parakramabahu IKing Nissanka Malla
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #201
- Culavamsa (Sri Lankan chronicle)