Sigiriya (Lion’s rock) is an ancient rock fortress and ruins of a castle
situated in central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It
is a popular tourist destination and also popular for the ancient paintings
(frescos) very similar to the paintings in Ajanta Caves of India. It was built
during the reign of King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) are believed to have been
painted in the fifth century AD. It is believed that there were paintings all
over the rock which were later destroyed, only 22 still remaining. These
paintings were later restored by a reputed Italian artist named Luciano Maransi.
The frescoes are the only non-religious old paintings in SriLanka.
Photograph
Taken in 1930-40s
