The medieval capital that succeeded Anuradhapura as Sri Lanka’s royal centre produced some of the finest sculpture and architecture in the island’s history – the Gal Vihara’s four colossal Buddha figures carved from a single granite face in the 12th century represent one of the greatest achievements of Asian stone sculpture, and the compact, well-preserved royal quarter surrounding them rewards exploration by bicycle through the ancient tanks, temples, and palace ruins at whatever pace appeals. Polonnaruwa is the ancient city that most reliably delivers immediate visual impact.