People did nutso things back in the 5th century. King Kassapa I ruled this island for 18 short years. Why? Seems he killed his father, impatient to ascend to the throne, and he knew his younger brother would seek revenge. So he decided to build his palace as a fortress at the top of that rock you see there. And built a moat around it. Figured no one could get in. But his brother launched his revenge from India 18 years later and surrounded the place. Kassapa, according to one story, fell on his sword rather than surrender. His brother returned the site to the Buddhist monks from whom Kassapa had taken it.
We get to hike all the way to the top to see it for ourselves! 1200 steps up! The view from above the first part of the ascent.
Half way up there's a cave where Kassapa, a randy fellow, had paintings made on the walls of his favorite concubines.
Fourteen frescoes ... All soft porn.
More climbing ...
Back in the 5th century they carved slots into the granite to scale certain sections.
The last part of the ascent to the palace: the Lion's Paw. This last section was guarded by a huge carved lion, but all that remains today are his paws.
Success! All that remains of the palace is the stone foundation, and breathtaking 360 views.
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