This seven-story royal palace of King Parakramabahu the Great once held 1,000 chambers behind meter-thick brick walls — walls that still bear the scorch marks of the fire that ended Polonnaruwa's golden age

Why visit parakramabahu palace

• Multi-Story Palace Complex: The palace was a unique seven-story structure. It reportedly had 1000 chambers. While the main building wasn't that large, the entire palace complex likely accommodated this number of rooms.
• Massive Brick Walls: The remaining walls of the palace are impressive. They are over one meter thick and still stand up to 30 feet tall. They show the grand scale of the original building.
• Evidence of Historical Destruction: Visitors can see remnants of melted brick walls inside. These were caused by intense fire, believed to have been set by the South Indian invader Kalinga Magha in 1215 AD. Thus, the ruins tell a story of destruction and conflict.
• Architectural Ingenuity: The walls have large holes that once held huge wooden floors for the upper stories. Moreover, some sections still have traces of the original plaster. This highlights the advanced building techniques of the era.
• A Glimpse into Royal Life: The palace was the main residence of King Parakramabahu I. The surrounding ruins also belonged to his ministers, soldiers, and servants. Therefore, it gives a full view of the royal city's inner life.