Thuparamaya is Sri Lanka's very first stupa, built to enshrine the Buddha's own collarbone shortly after Buddhism reached the island, its ring of ancient stone pillars once supporting a vanished domed roof.

Why visit Thuparamaya

• Oldest Stupa in Sri Lanka: Thuparamaya is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka. It was constructed after Buddhism was introduced to the country.
• Houses a Sacred Relic: The stupa enshrines the sacred collarbone of the Buddha. This makes it a significant pilgrimage site.
• Unique Vatadage Architecture: The stupa was once covered by a "vatadage." This is a circular building with a roof. Its roof was supported by concentric circles of stone pillars.
• Part of a Monastery Complex: The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya." This means it was a stupa and a residential complex for monks.
• Aesthetic and Medical History: The monastery had a hospital with medical equipment. It also had unique stone troughs for medicinal baths.