Abhayagiri Monastery

Situated within the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri Monastery was one of the largest and most influential Buddhist monasteries in the ancient world. Founded by King Valagamba during the 1st century BC, the monastery developed into a thriving centre of Buddhist learning, meditation and international scholarship, welcoming thousands of monks and pilgrims from across Asia.

At its height, Abhayagiri was home to more than 5,000 monks and covered an immense area filled with monasteries, libraries, meditation halls, bathing ponds and beautifully planned gardens. The monastery became renowned for its openness to different Buddhist traditions and played a vital role in preserving and spreading Buddhist philosophy throughout the region.

The magnificent Abhayagiri Stupa remains the heart of the complex. Once rising to over 100 metres, it was among the tallest structures of the ancient world and stands today as a remarkable example of Sri Lanka's engineering excellence. Visitors can also explore moonstones, guard stones, refectories, ancient hospitals and exquisitely crafted stone carvings that reveal the sophistication of early Sri Lankan civilisation.

Today, Abhayagiri Monastery is recognised as one of the most important archaeological and religious sites in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by peaceful parklands and ancient ruins, it offers visitors an unforgettable journey through more than two thousand years of Buddhist history, architectural achievement and spiritual devotion.