🌳 Anuradhapura Sacred City
Sri Lanka
About This Sacred Site
Anuradhapura was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, a thriving Buddhist city from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The sacred city contains some of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, including the Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, making it the oldest known tree planted by humans (planted in 288 BCE). The ruins include massive dagobas (stupas), ancient monasteries, and intricately carved moonstones. At its height, Anuradhapura was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
Key Facts
- •The Sri Maha Bodhi, planted in 288 BCE, is the world's oldest documented tree planted by humans
- •Capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,400 years from the 4th century BCE
- •Contains some of the largest brick structures in the ancient world (dagobas)
- •The Ruwanwelisaya stupa, built in 140 BCE, stands 55 meters tall
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982
Location
Coordinates: 8.3114, 80.3942
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