25/01/2020
Sigiriya Ancient Rock fortress.
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions – and with good reason. This ruined, fifth century city has some extraordinary features, including moat and wall fortifications, elaborately landscaped gardens, and a monastery. But it is the two-hundred metre high granite rock that stands out from these ruins that is undoubtedly the star attraction, with its exquisite frescoes and the remains of a royal palace on the summit.
Having already seen photographs of the frescoes at Sigiriya I was greatly looking forward to the visit. What I had not seen photographs of, however, was the staircase visitors have to climb to get to the frescoes. Unfortunately, I have an irrational fear of height – not always a good thing for an archaeologist who researches prehistoric art. I should add, I have never not visited a site or not been able to get up close to photograph or record images because of that fear. Although there have been a few times when it was close!
Walking along the approach to Lion Rock, you pass through the remains of a once beautifully landscaped garden – with pools and terraces. Ahead of the path the two-hundred metre high granite rock looms. And with each step my heart beat louder and faster. At the base of the steps, the initial part of the ascent is by way of a brick staircase, and then it turns into an iron staircase added to the side of the granite rock face.