Cultural
Ville sainte d'Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka
Located in the north-central plains of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is one of the island's most significant ancient cities and served as the capital of several Sri Lankan kingdoms from around the 5th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The site contains the remains of palaces, monasteries, temples, and other structures that reflect the development of Theravada Buddhism in South Asia, with numerous stupas and religious edifices distributed across an extensive archaeological area. Among its most notable features are large brick stupas, including the Ruvanvelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, as well as the sacred Bodhi tree, which is said to have been planted in the 3rd century BCE and remains an important place of pilgrimage. The architectural and sculptural remains demonstrate the sophistication of ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its cultural connections across the Indian Ocean. The site's layout and monuments provide substantial evidence of urban planning, religious practice, and artistic achievement during the medieval period in South Asia.
