Sigiriya: City, Palace, Gardens, Monasteries, Paintings

5th century activity ancient appear archaeological architectural authority base Boulder Gardens brick Buddhist buildings built Cave central centre century BC cistern Citadel clearly complex connected consisting construction contain continued Cultural Dambulla dating distinct earliest early east entire entrance evidence excavations extensive face figures finds Fresco gallery graffiti historical immediately indicate inner inscriptions interest iron Kasyapa king ladies later least Lion Staircase major Mapagala metres Mirror Wall moat monastery monastic mountain natural occupied original outer paintings palace Paranavitana period phase Pidurangala plaster Pocket poems pools precinct present preserved Ramakale rampart readings record region remains rock-shelter roof royal sculptures sector settlements shelters side Sigiriya rock Sri Lankan steps stone stupa summit surface surrounding temple terrace terracotta throne tions traditions urban visitors Water Gardens western