Sigiriya is an ancient palace located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. The palace was built by King Kassapa I (477–495 CE), and is surrounded by an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. According to legend, the Sigiriya was built on the site of a fortress belonging to a female demon. The name Sigiriya is derived from the Sanskrit word for "lion" (siṅhā). The palace was also used as a monastery.
The Sigiriya is considered one of the most important surviving examples of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture. It is also one of the world's best preserved examples of a rock palace. The palace stands atop a granite hill, which is about 200 metres (660 ft) high. The palace complex is surrounded by a wall that is built on top of the hill and is more than 5 metres (16 ft) high. The wall is designed to protect the
