Royal Place Group

Parakramabahu the Great, who ascended the throne in 1153 AD, inaugurated an era of peace, prosperity and tremendous architectural activity. The city of Polonnaruwa was restored, fortified with high walls and still another circle of walls was built around his palace complex. Parakramabahu’s palace was seven storeys high, a massive structure of stone and wood. Whole 10 ft. think lower walls still survive and in some places, are still 30 ft. high. Beautiful gardens, well laid-out streets, temple buildings, council chambers, the audience hall, royal court house, several pavilions for religious activities as well as secular ones (theaters, picture galleries, halls for listening to music and for dancing), reservoirs, pools and ponds and large royal bathroom, were all part of the Citadel’s facilities. Much of this great kings vision is visible today, his monasteries, sermon halls, stupas and the beautiful Gal Vihare. The Polonnaruwa ruins are concentrated over a relatively small area.

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