Jetavanaramaya
The World's Third Tallest Ancient Structure
Welcome to Jetavanaramaya: Ancient Wonder of the World
Prepare to be amazed by Jetavanaramaya, one of the most incredible ancient structures ever built by humans! This massive stupa was once the world's third tallest building, standing at 122 meters (400 feet) high - taller than the Statue of Liberty! Built in the 3rd century AD, it was surpassed in height only by the two largest pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Even though time and weather have reduced its height to about 70 meters today, Jetavanaramaya still stands as a testament to the incredible engineering skills and devotion of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Built with over 93 million bricks, this sacred monument contains precious relics of Lord Buddha and continues to inspire visitors with its massive scale and spiritual significance.
The Incredible Scale & Engineering Marvel
When it was first built, Jetavanaramaya was absolutely massive! At 122 meters tall, it was taller than the Statue of Liberty (93m), Big Ben (96m), and most modern buildings. Only the Great Pyramid of Giza (146m) and the Pyramid of Khafre (136m) were taller. Imagine how amazing it must have looked 1,700 years ago!
- Taller than Statue of Liberty
- 3rd tallest structure in ancient world
- Only pyramids were taller
- Visible from many kilometers away
Building Jetavanaramaya was an incredible achievement! The ancient builders used over 93 million bricks, each one carefully made and placed by hand. They had no modern machines, cranes, or trucks - everything was done with human power, elephants, and simple tools. The engineering knowledge needed to build something this tall without it falling down was amazing!
- 93+ million handmade bricks
- No modern construction equipment
- Advanced engineering knowledge
- Took many years to complete
Deep inside Jetavanaramaya is a very precious relic - a piece of the sash (belt) that belonged to Lord Buddha himself! This makes the stupa incredibly sacred to Buddhist people around the world. The relic is kept in a special chamber at the center of the stupa, surrounded by precious gems and gold offerings.
- Contains Buddha's sash relic
- Extremely sacred to Buddhists
- Protected in central chamber
- Surrounded by precious offerings
Archaeological Discoveries & Ongoing Research
Ancient Monastery Complex
Archaeologists have found remains of a huge monastery that once surrounded the stupa, where thousands of monks lived.
Precious Artifacts
Beautiful statues, coins, jewelry, and pottery have been discovered, showing how rich and advanced this place was.
Advanced Drainage System
The builders created a sophisticated water drainage system to protect the massive structure from rain damage.
Ongoing Excavations
Archaeologists are still digging around the stupa and finding new things that help us understand ancient life.
Conservation Efforts
Experts are working to protect and preserve the stupa so future generations can see this amazing structure.
3D Mapping
Modern technology is being used to create detailed maps and models of the entire complex.
How to Visit Jetavanaramaya
Entry & Access
- • Part of Anuradhapura Sacred City ticket
- • Foreign adults: $25 USD
- • Open from sunrise to sunset
- • Easy walking access from parking
Best Time to Visit
- • Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM)
- • Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM)
- • Cooler weather months
- • Avoid midday heat
Getting There
- • Located in Anuradhapura Sacred City
- • Bicycle rental popular option
- • Tuk-tuk or taxi available
- • Walking distance from other sites
What You'll See
- • Massive ancient brick structure
- • Archaeological excavation sites
- • Monastery ruins around the base
- • Information boards about history
Photography Tips
- • Best light in early morning/evening
- • Capture the massive scale
- • Include people for size comparison
- • Wide-angle lens recommended
What to Bring
- • Water bottle and sun protection
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Camera with extra batteries
- • Guidebook or audio guide
Standing before Jetavanaramaya is like meeting a giant from the ancient world. This incredible structure shows us just how advanced and skilled the people of ancient Sri Lanka were. When you look up at its massive walls, try to imagine it at its original height of 122 meters - it must have been absolutely breathtaking!
The fact that this monument was built over 1,700 years ago using only human hands, simple tools, and incredible determination makes it even more amazing. It's a testament to the faith, skill, and vision of our ancestors, and a reminder that humans have always been capable of creating truly extraordinary things.
Enjoy your visit to this ancient wonder of the world! 🏛️⭐🌟