Sigiriya (Lion’s rock) is an ancient rock fortress and ruins of a castle situated in central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination and also popular for the ancient paintings (frescos) very similar to the paintings in Ajanta Caves of India. It was built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) are believed to have been painted in the fifth century AD. It is believed that there were paintings all over the rock which were later destroyed, only 22 still remaining. These paintings were later restored by a reputed Italian artist named Luciano Maransi. The frescoes are the only non-religious old paintings in SriLanka.
Photograph Taken in 1930-40s
Very important website.
I was stationed with the RAF in 1942/43 at sigiriya and it was good to see images of the Rock and the Fresco’s onthe Web site and brought back many memories.
Great to see your comment Leslie. Even though we were occupied by the British,I have yet to meet someone who has anything but compliments about the British during the times the country was under British rule