The short answer
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace): what visitors should know first
Worth 20 to 30 minutes between the Bodhi tree and Ruwanwelisaya. It is mainly a field of ruins, so a short explanation from a guide helps more than a long visit.
History and context
The story behind Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
Wikipedia says King Devanampiya Tissa built an earlier assembly hall on the site and that King Dutugemunu built the Lohaprasada, a similar nine-storey building. The structure was the island's tallest building from about 155 BCE until its destruction, and a small modern building now serves as the chapter house of the Maha Vihara.
Useful facts
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) facts at a glance
- Location
- Between Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya
- Experience type
- Ruins of an ancient hall
- Also called
- Brazen Palace, Lohaprasada
- Remains
- Rows of stone pillars
- Tradition
- Nine storeys on 1,600 pillars
- Time
- 20 to 30 minutes
Why it matters
Why Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) is worth your time
The Lovamahapaya helps visitors understand how large the ancient monastic community was. The pillars suggest a hall for the uposatha, the fortnightly assembly of monks, and it was said to be the island's tallest building for centuries. That alone indicates how rich and organised the kingdom was.
It is also a reminder of what has been lost. The original was destroyed, and only the stone pillars remain. For visitors, it is a quiet prompt to think about how much of Anuradhapura's story exists in ruins rather than in shrines, and it helps explain why the sacred city is a World Heritage Site and not only a pilgrimage centre.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Pillar grid
Rows of stone columns show the scale.
- 02
Bronze roof legend
The name comes from its supposed bronze roof tiles.
- 03
Central position
It lies between two major shrines.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Stand at the edge of the field and look across the pillars before you walk among them. The rows of stone columns are what remains of a huge ancient hall, called the Brazen Palace because its roof was said to be covered in bronze tiles. The scale of the grid is the main impression.
Wikipedia notes that the earlier building was said to have had nine storeys on 1,600 stone pillars set in 40 rows of 40. Try to picture that, then walk along one row and count. A small building on the site is used as a chapter house, so keep quiet and respectful.
The ruins are not complicated, and you will want only a short stop. A guide can point out the pillar layout and help you understand its use. The site sits between two major shrines, so it makes a natural pause in a morning route.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Combine with Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya
- Go in the morning
- Take a guide if you want details
- Be respectful of the chapter house
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Between Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya, Sacred City
- Time needed
- About 20 to 30 minutes
- Best time
- Morning
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A flat walk across open ground. Little shade, and the paths between pillars are uneven in places. Easy for most older visitors, but the site can be hot.
- Tickets and access
- Entry to the main archaeological area is covered by a foreign-visitor ticket, reported at about US$25 for the five largest temples, with a reduced rate for South Asian nationals who show a passport; prices change, so check at the Archaeological Museum or the gate. Dress modestly; check whether shoes must come off.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A flat walk across open ground. Little shade, and the paths between pillars are uneven in places. Easy for most older visitors, but the site can be hot.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the Brazen Palace still standing?
No. Only the stone pillars remain.
Why Brazen?
The roof was said to be covered in bronze tiles.
How long do I need?
About 20 to 30 minutes.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
