"Sri Lanka´s most sacred city" Anuradhapura by euzkadi

This ancient complex is one of Sri Lanka´s most famous icons. The ruins are located 205 kms north of Colombo in the North Central Province. Anuradhapura was the capital of the island from the 4th century BC until the 11th century AD, and was one of the main political powers in the area during these times. They developed some of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world carriying prosperity and economic development to the region, later the city was abandoned after an invasion.

The ancient city contains Dagobas, temples, ruins and monasteries, covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 kms2). In 1982 it was declared World Heritage Site by the Unesco.

Sri Maha Bodhiya

The city is one of the principal shrines of Buddhism. The shoot of the original Body Tree (the tree under wich Siddharta Gautama or Gautama Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment) was brought there in the 3rd century BC from Bodh Gaya in India and it´s located in a sanctuary near the Brazen Palace. Now this sacred place is visted by pilgrims from all over the world.