Jetavanaramaya

Jetavanaramaya is a large ancient Buddhist stupa in the sacred complex of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It was constructed in the 3rd century CE and is known for its monumental scale as one of the largest brick-built stupas of antiquity.

The stupa dominates the archaeological landscape of Anuradhapura and is approached through terraces and ruined monastic buildings that outline a large monastery precinct. The mass and brickwork of the dome are the principal features visitors come to see, and the site is usually visited as part of the broader Anuradhapura archaeological zone.

The monument was erected under King Mahasena of Anuradhapura as part of the Jetavana monastic complex and has been a focus of restoration and conservation work in the 20th and 21st centuries. Over time the superstructure has experienced collapse and rebuilding, which is why current measurements differ from historical accounts.

Jetavanaramaya sits within the ancient capital of Anuradhapura in north-central Sri Lanka, surrounded by other stupas, monasteries and ruins in flat riverine terrain. The complex is accessible from the modern town of Anuradhapura and is part of the principal set of archaeological sites in the region.

• UNESCO context: Part of the wider ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so visits are often combined with other archaeological monuments nearby.
• Scale: Scale is notable - historical accounts record an original height of about 122 metres while the present structure measures roughly 71 metres.

What to See #

• Main stupa: The main brick stupa is the dominant structure of the complex; originally recorded at about 122 metres high and now standing around 71 metres, it was one of the largest brick monuments in the ancient world.
• Monastic complex: Ruins of the surrounding Jetavana monastic complex include terraces, foundations and ancillary structures that once served a large Buddhist monastery inside the ancient city of Anuradhapura.