HERITAGE & ARCHITECTURE

Secrets of Sigiriya’s Water Gardens: 5th-Century Gravity Fountains

How ancient hydraulic engineers built limestone fountains at the base of Lion Rock that still bubble during monsoon rains today.

By Anushka Rajapaksa, Heritage ArchitectJULY 24, 20266 MIN READ

Long before modern pumps existed, Sigiriya’s planners channeled rainwater from the summit plateau through subterranean stone conduits to power symmetrical fountains.

Walking these boulder and water gardens at dawn reveals the sophisticated urban planning beneath the citadel.

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Secrets of Sigiriya’s Water Gardens: 5th-Century Gravity Fountains

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