Brazen Palace / Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 1 km from Ruwanwelisaya and 2 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Lovamahapaya is an ancient palace in Anuradhapura. Situated between Ruwanwelisaya and Sri Maha Bodhi, it is one of the popular historical monuments in Anuradhapura.

Also known as Lohaprasada, the Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century BC. At first, the King built this as a place for Buddhist monks who assembled on 'Poya' days to recite the 'Pirith' but later it was transformed into a massive building which contains nearly 1000 rooms for them to rest. It had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories. In ancient times, the building is supposed to have included a refectory, assembly hall and chapter house. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. It is said that it took six years for the construction of the building.

The Brazen Palace is said to have been a beautifully detailed and jeweled structure in its heydays, according to historical records. However, it was long destroyed during the reign of King Sadhatissa. The small building that now stands in the veritable forest of pillars is a modern chapter house currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order as a chapter house.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: USD. 25 for Foreigners & USD. 12 for SAARC Nationals (Including entry to all the historical sites except Maha Bodhi & Isurumuniya)