Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden in the dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable again. Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions, the city was submitted to attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of the architecture for several centuries. It includes incredible monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.