Located within the UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, the Jethawanaramaya is a massive ancient Buddhist stupa that was once the third-tallest building in the world and remains the largest brick monument ever built.

Why visit Jethawanaramaya

• Largest Brick Structure: Jetavanaramaya is the largest brick stupa in the world. It was originally 400 feet tall, making it the world's third tallest structure at the time it was built. It is estimated to have been constructed with 93.3 million baked bricks.
• Architectural Ingenuity: The stupa was built on an 8.5-meter-deep foundation that sits on bedrock. The bricks used had a unique composition of 60% fine sand and 35% clay. These bricks could withstand heavy loads.
• Sectarian Symbolism: The construction of the stupa represents historical tensions between the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist sects in Sri Lanka. It was built on the grounds of a destroyed monastery, a politically and religiously charged act that led to a civil war.
• Houses a Sacred Relic: It is believed that a part of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha is enshrined here.
• Massive Monastery Complex: The stupa is part of a 5.6-hectare complex. It's estimated that it once housed as many as 10,000 monks.