
03/27/2025
This image is a comparison of the same location from 1904 and 2022, showing the transformation of a massive stone-carved lion's paw at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large lion’s paws are remnants of a grand entrance to the fortress, which was originally shaped like a lion, with the paws as the base and the head above (now lost to time).
In the 1904 image, the structure appears more eroded and overgrown, while the 2022 image shows it preserved and maintained, with protective barriers installed. This reflects significant restoration efforts over the years.