The 2nd ancient capital. The 10th century AD city had large palaces, temples, buildings, beautiful parks and unique monuments. King Parakramabahu created a massive 2400 hectare lake. The high quality of the numerous and magnificent rock carvings is a highlight especially the four Buddha statues out of which the largest beautifully sculptured reclining statue measures at 14M in length. Being the medieval capital these intricate and artistic stone carvings are better preserved than in the first capital Anuradhapura.