Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura is the character of the historic monument in Sri Lanka. This city brings the history of the Asian culture as it hosts the largest palaces and monasteries in the country. Several centuries before the Jesus Christ, the ancient city of Anurdhapura was already and advanced civilization.
Located in the central part of northern Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is 205 km north of the capital Colombo. Built on the banks of the historic river Malvathu Oya, the city is part of the world heritage of UNESCO.
Anuradhapura allegedly was the largest monastic city of the old world. The legacy of the civilization here is the capital of 123 kings, and the sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Today the site occupies an area of 40 sq. Km and is surrounded by numerous monasteries and historical monuments.
The ancient city was founded as early as the 5th century BC and since the beginning of the 11th century the capital of Sri Lanka had settled. Indeed, the existence of civilization archaeological remains there and speaks for more than 10 centuries BC. During the period, while the city was centrally located to the kingdom, it remains one of the most stable and long-term centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. After this period of prosperity, the capital goes into Polonnaruwa. In the third century BC the fig tree was planted there and since symbolizes the wisdom of Buddha. After the fall of Anuradhapura, the kings moved their capital to Polonnaruwa, and the once glory city was left to the will of the dry tropical jungle for more then 800 years.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura had some of the most complex irrigation systems in the world. Some of the reservoir tanks still survive today and they may be the oldest surviving reservoirs in from the ancient world.
Anuradhapura was the greatest city of all. It covered more then 32 square km., and its population was tens of thousands. The king's palace had 1.000 rooms, in the center of the city.
The biggest attraction of Anuradhapura are the Buddha, Aukana and the guard stone called Tuparama that have long be hidden by thick jungle. Only in the 19th century these historical remains were found. The Aukana Buddha statue is a perfect spiritual guide, and stands 13 meters high and is constructed with a unique precision and its perfect craftsmanship is really impressive.
