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Sacred City of Anuradhapura 1
Sacred City of Anuradhapura 2
Sacred City of Anuradhapura 3
Sacred City of Anuradhapura 4
Sacred City of Anuradhapura 5
© UNESCO World Heritage Centre
UNESCO WHCCulturalInscribed 1982

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Overview

This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again.

About Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies 205 kilometers (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya. The city is now a World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation.

Read more on Wikipedia

Selection Criteria

(ii)(iii)

Components(1 location)

Details

Countries
Sri Lanka
ISO Codes
LK
Coordinates
8.3333, 80.3833
View on UNESCO World Heritage Centre
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Sacred City of Anuradhapura