Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It was founded in V century B.C. Some historians state that even in X century B.C. It was a capital of Sri Lanka until 1070 before it was completely destroyed by South-Indian invaders. Later the capital of Singhalese state was moved to Polonnaruwa.
Today Anuradhapura is divided to the New and the Old city. The Old city houses most of the highlights. It is not inhabited, open for tourists and is protected by the State. The ruins of Anurabhapura had been declared UNESCO a World Heritage cite. All the inhabitants of Anuradhapura live in the New city.
Anuradhapura – is a city sacred for Buddhists as it has 7 Buddhists’ mortars, called dagobas.
Among the most famous highlights of Anuradhapura are: the Ruwanovelly Mortar, the Thuparama Mortar, the Abhayagiri Monastery, the Dzhettavana Mortar, the Isurumunia Cave Monastery, the Lankarma Temple and the Mirisavety Mortar.
The Dzhettavana Mortar is really impressive. It is considered the biggest construction in the world made of bricks.
The Makhabodhi Tree and the surrounding Makhabodhi Temple are Buddhist pilgrimage places.