A circular relic house with concentric stone platforms, carved guard stones, and moonstones at each entrance, built to protect a Buddha tooth relic casket. It sits inside the Quadrangle, a compact cluster of roughly a dozen structures including the Thuparama and Hatadage, making this the densest concentration of fine stonework on the site. Four seated Buddha statues face the cardinal directions at the centre. It is at Polonnaruwa New Town, close to the other main sights. It ranks among Polonnaruwa's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one.
What It Is
You climb worn stone steps between carved guard stones into a circular chamber open to the sky, with four Buddha figures seated back to back at the centre.
Why Visit
The Quadrangle packs more variety of 12th-century stonework into a smaller space than anywhere else on the site. That puts it near the top of any Polonnaruwa visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Gal Vihara and Rankoth Vehera - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Polonnaruwa. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.
More on Polonnaruwa
The nearest area to base yourself is Polonnaruwa New Town. See where it ranks among the things to do in Polonnaruwa. The Polonnaruwa guide covers transport, costs and when to go.
We plan trips to Polonnaruwa and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
