Anuradhapura's Sacred Treasures

As the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the country’s most significant Buddhist monuments. This collection features the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the world's oldest human-planted tree, and massive brick stupas like Jetavanaramaya and Ruwanwelisaya. The list includes the rock-carved Isurumuni Viharaya, the 1,600-columned Lovamahapaya ruins, and the mountain peak of Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced to the island. These sites showcase a landscape of ancient monasteries, palaces, and stone carvings dating back to the 4th century BCE.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historical sacred bo tree in the Mahamewuna Garden in historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Ruwanwelisaya

The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Maha Thupa, is a stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Jetavanaramaya

The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the…

Thuparamaya Dagoba

The first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism, dating to the 3rd century BCE. It is believed to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha and is characterized by the concentric stone pillars of a vatadage that once supported a wooden roof.

Mihintale

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist…

Isurumuni Viharaya

A 3rd-century BCE rock temple situated near Tissa Wewa, famous for its intricate stone carvings. Notable reliefs include the 'Isurumuni Lovers,' the 'Royal Family,' and bathing elephants. The site features a sacred pond and a museum housing these archaeological finds.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

A 4th-century granite statue located in Mahamewna Park, depicting the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, or meditation posture. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Sinhalese sculpture, carved with a serene expression representing deep spiritual concentration.

Anuradhapura Museum

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is the oldest and the largest museum belonging to the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka.

Lowamahapaya

Known as the Brazen Palace, these ruins consist of 1,600 stone pillars that once supported a massive nine-story monastic residence. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, it originally featured a bronze-tiled roof and served as an assembly hall.