site in central Sri Lanka, consisting of the ruins of an ancient stronghold known as the Lion Mountain that was built about the 6th century AD on a remarkable rock pillar. The rock, which is so steep that its top overhangs the sides, rises 1,144 feet (349 m) above sea level and 600 feet (180 m) above the surrounding plain. On the several acres of ground at the summit, Kashyapa I built a palace in AD 477 as a safeguard against his enemies. Visitors began the final ascent through the open jaws and throat (giriya) of a monumental lion (sinha), thus Sigiriya. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.