The legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya, the Lion Rock, is famous for its frescoes of celestial maidens and is possibly the most impressive site in Sri Lanka. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century on top of a vast 200-metre granite rock, it took 7 years to build and was abandoned after only 10 years of occupation when the king, defeated by his brother, took his own life. Today, it stands as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and a testament to ancient engineering brilliance.
