One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This huge gedige has 17m-high walls, although the roof has collapsed. The cathedral-like aisle leads to a huge standing (headless) Buddha. Offerings of incense, and the structure's columns and arches add to the distinctly ecclesiastical, devotional atmosphere.
The outer walls, decorated with bas-reliefs, show typical Polonnaruwa structures in their original state.
