Highlights
- A Shiva temple nearby shows fine Hindu stonework
- Thuparama is one of the best preserved image houses of its kind
- Nissanka Malla's Latha Mandapaya has lotus stalk pillars
- The Atadage held the Tooth Relic under Vijayabahu I
- The Hatadage was another shrine built for the relic
- The circular Vatadage is the centrepiece of the Quadrangle
- The Gal Potha is a huge stone book of royal inscriptions
- The stepped Satmahal Prasada is unlike any other building here
Overview
The Quadrangle, or Dalada Maluwa ("terrace of the tooth relic"), is the sacred heart of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the island's capital from the 11th to the 13th centuries. On a raised, walled terrace stand some of the most beautiful buildings of the period, built to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Buddha. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Vatadage
The highlight is the Vatadage, a circular relic house on two terraces, often linked to King Parakramabahu I or Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. The upper terrace has four entrances facing the cardinal directions, each leading to a seated Buddha around a small central stupa. Its stonework is among the finest in Sri Lanka: guardstones, makara (dragon) balustrades and, at the northern entrance, a superb moonstone. The original roof is lost; a scale model in the museum shows how it may have looked.
Other buildings in the Quadrangle
- Atadage ("house of eight relics"): built by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century as an early temple of the tooth relic. Stone pillars that once held a wooden upper floor remain, with a standing Buddha.
- Hatadage ("house of sixty relics" or "seven relics"): built by Nissanka Malla, also for the tooth relic, with thick walls and Buddha statues. The name is explained in different ways.
- Thuparama: the best preserved gedige (vaulted image house) in Polonnaruwa, and the only one still roofed. Its thick brick walls were decorated with stucco figures.
- Latha Mandapaya: built by Nissanka Malla, a small shrine with stone pillars carved like lotus stalks topped by buds, inside a stone lattice fence, around a small stupa.
- Gal Potha ("stone book"): a huge stone slab carved like a palm leaf book, recording the deeds and virtues of Nissanka Malla. The inscription says the stone was brought from Mihintale.
- Satmahal Prasada: an unusual stepped tower of six surviving storeys, with an uncertain origin. Its style is often compared with buildings in South-East Asia.
Shiva Devale nearby
Just south of the Quadrangle stands a Shiva temple from about the 13th century, built in finely cut stone in South Indian style. Bronze statues found there are now in the museum.
How long it takes
About one to one and a half hours.
When to go
Early morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler and the light is soft.
Getting there
The Quadrangle is in the centre of the ancient city, a short ride from the museum and ticket office. Bicycles are a popular way to get around.
Practical tips
- The ancient city ticket covers the site; 2026 guides listed about US$30 for foreign adults.
- Remove shoes and hats on the terrace; bring socks for hot stone.
- Visit the museum first for context.
See the Gal Vihara, the Parakrama Samudra and our Polonnaruwa day tour. See things to do in Polonnaruwa and Polonnaruwa hotels.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
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