
CulturalInscribed 1982Sri Lanka
About This Site
The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.
Site Details
| Category | Cultural |
| Date Inscribed | 1982 |
| Cultural Criteria | c2, c3, c4 |
| Location | Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 7.9500, 80.7500 |
Other World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka
Natural · Inscribed 2010Central Highlands of Sri LankaCultural · Inscribed 1991Rangiri Dambulla Cave TempleNatural · Inscribed 1988Sinharaja Forest ReserveCultural · Inscribed 1988Old Town of Galle and its FortificationsCultural · Inscribed 1988Sacred City of KandyCultural · Inscribed 1982Sacred City of Anuradhapura
More cultural heritage sites
TurkmenistanKunya-UrgenchTunisiaPunic Town of Kerkuane and its NecropolisLebanonBaalbekIran (Islamic Republic of)HegmatanehState of PalestineAncient Jericho/Tell es-SultanIran (Islamic Republic of)Susa
Sites inscribed in the 1980s
- Site of Palmyra (1980, Syrian Arab Republic)
- Ichkeul National Park (1980, Tunisia)
- Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol (1980, Pakistan)
- Taxila (1980, Pakistan)
- Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro (1980, Pakistan)
- Ancient City of Bosra (1980, Syrian Arab Republic)
- Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta (1981, Pakistan)
- Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (1981, Pakistan)
Data Source: UNESCO World Heritage Convention