New Technology to Help Preserve Ancient Sigiriya Frescos – A Timely Implementation

Adorning thousands of Sri Lankan postcards, the Sigiriya Fortress is a World Heritage Site which was once the refuge of King Kasyapa. While the fortress is popular for its proportions, it is also well-known for the frescos that adorn the stone walls. They depict calm and seemingly happy women who have the poise and facial features of goddesses. The frescos were completed over 1,600 years ago. In the golden age of the fortress, it is said there were around 500 paintings of a similar kind. Today, 19 paintings remain which are impaired by environmental conditions. In early 2016, the Department of Archaeology announced that Italian technology will be imported to ensure the preservation of the frescos. Many hotels in Sigiriya are set in close proximity to the rock such as Hotel Sigiriya provide easy access to the site and lets you admire the fortress and the frescos.