Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
12. SIGIRIYA, Sri Lanka
Towering above formal landscape gardens, reflecting pools, galleries and grand staircases that form, the remains of the ancient capital city of Sigiriya is the vast spectacle of the Lion’s Rock. Only two huge clawed stone feet can be seen today, but when complete, visitors entered through the beast’s jaws, a piece of architectural theatre worthy of the scale and drama of the site.
The granite Lion’s Rock, some 180 metres high, can be scaled via steep steps that weave up the rock face. The reward waiting at the summit are the ruins of the royal complex built by King Kassapa in the 5th century.
The treasures of the site are its exquisitely painted frescoes, as well as some 7th and 8th century graffiti left by monks at the time. The frescoes once circled the rock in a vivid frieze, depicting beautiful young women who, it is speculated, could have been modelled on the King’s hareem.
13. ÉVORA, Portugal
UNESCO classes the entire old town of Évora as a museum city, so rich is it in fine architecture, which dates back to its Roman occupation. The Temple of Diana is regarded as one of the best preserved Roman ruins on the Iberian peninsula.
The city reached a high point of wealth and influence when it became home to the kings of Portugal in the 15th-century and royal palaces and convents were built on a grand scale.
Perhaps what gives Évora its real charm and character, however, are the less grand domestic houses built from the 16th to 18th centuries, which cluster along narrow streets. Their whitewashed walls are decorated with bright azulejos and wrought-iron balconies and the roofs are tiled or are built as terraces.
At every turn, there is a monument, church or cobbled street that brings to life the story of what was once Portugal’s second city.
Architectural Traveller | Page 28
PLACE TO STAY WHILE YOU’RE THERE…
São Lourenço do Barrocal is a small luxury hotel in the heart of a beautifully restored working farm village in the Alentejo. Rooms and cottages are simply furnished, and olive oil and wine comes from the estate, which stretches out around the farm.
Tranquil and elegant –
www.barrocal.pt
Évora, Portugal
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