Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock (Sinhagiri), is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in the Matale District of Sri Lanka — one of the country's most extraordinary and visited heritage sites. Rising 200 metres above the surrounding jungle on a massive column of granite, Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century CE (477–495 CE) as a royal palace and fortress. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The summit was reached through the iconic Lion Gateway — a colossal brick lion whose paws still flank the staircase. The rock is also renowned for its ancient frescoes of celestial maidens painted on the sheer cliff face, the Mirror Wall polished to a shine with a lime plaster still bearing ancient graffiti, and the elaborate symmetrical water gardens at its base. This immersive 360° virtual tour lets you experience Sigiriya from your browser, completely free.
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