World Heritage Identification Number: 201
World Heritage since: 1982
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
Map
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: A Testament to Sri Lankan History and Architecture
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, serves as a significant testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the island nation. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, this ancient city holds a unique place in the annals of Sri Lankan history, having served as the second capital following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 CE.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Encyclopedia Record: Polonnaruwa
Poḷonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 7.915833333 , 81.00055556
Image
© Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
