Anuradhapura

Sacred City of Anuradhapura
UNESCO World Heritage Site

The sacred city of Anuradhapura, founded in the 5th century BC is venerated as the capital city of Buddhism. The scared Bo tree grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment is the oldest living tree in documented history. In its vicinity are the remains of the Brazen Palace, and the towering Ruwanveliseya Dagaba. The others sites include the Thuparama, the Jathawana, the Abhayagiri , the Lankarama and the Mirisavatiya. The Seated Buddha, temples, palaces and parks - all of which bear testimony to a proud and imaginative people. The Mihinthale - the cradle of Buddhism is connected with Arahat Mahinda who brought Buddhism to the island in 247 BC. Religious and secular art and architecture, carving and sculpture, paintings and inscriptions, have survived elements for over fifteen centuries. Among these are moonstones, which constituted the first step to any building or shrine, the famous rock carving known as the Isurumuniya lovers. Kuttam Pokuna, or twin ponds built in the third century, the Aukana statue of Buddha, are well preserved monuments.