Historical background
Commissioned by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE as a thanksgiving for unifying the island. Originally rising 100 metres, it is one of the world's tallest ancient monuments and enshrines a substantial relic of the Buddha.
Religious significance
Considered the most perfectly proportioned of all stupas and one of the Atamasthana — the eight most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
Visitor experience
The dazzling white dome at sunset, ringed by elephant carvings and saffron-clad monks, is one of the great spiritual sights of South Asia. Free of charge; modest dress and bare feet on the marble terrace.
Things to do
- ✦Sunset viewing from the terrace
- ✦Photography of the elephant-frieze base wall
- ✦Quiet meditation under the surrounding banyan trees
