Lion Rock of Sigiriya
Lion Rock of Sigiriya
This massive rock, rising nearly 700 feet above the surrounding ground, is an awe-inspiring sight visible from afar. At its summit lies a flat surface covering about 9 acres, where a magnificent palace complex once stood. Visited by millions each year, the ruins of this palace tell the story of its glorious past.
The image shows a view of the western part of the rock seen by visitors before they reach the entrance to climb the rock. The access to the rock fortress is through a flight of steps starting somewhere in the middle of the western side. The orange-colored strip at the bottom is the outer side of the famous Mirror Wall. The flight of steps runs through a narrow corridor between the rock and the Mirror Wall. The flight of steps beyond the Mirror Wall leads to the Lion’s Paw Terrace, where visitors gather for the final ascent to the summit.
At the entrance to the final ascent, two giant lion’s paws flank the lower section of the staircase. The remaining flight of steps, made of metal, is constructed along the northern face of the rock.
Experts believe that the sculpture of a lion’s face also existed above these paws, making the rock resemble a crouching lion. The Lion Rock owes its name to this resemblance.
Centered around Lion Rock is Sigiriya, a well-planned city with palaces, water gardens, moats, and ramparts. Because of this rock, it was initially known as Simha Giri (Simha means lion, and Giri means mountain). It became Sigiriya over time.
Sigiriya Rock Pages
– Lion Rock – A west-side view
– Mirror Wall – Inner Side
– Mirror Wall – Outer Side
– Lion’s Paw Terrace – Entrance to the rock summit
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