Considered the most beautiful edifices in the Daladā Maluva (Sacred Quadrangle) and the entire city, the brick Vatadāgē was built as a protective circular structure with two terraces around a stupa with seated Buddha statues at the cardinal points. The octagonal stone columns, connected by ornamented stone "screens," are on the outside, but others inside would have supported a conical roof of timber. The moonstone, steps with articulated friezes, guardstones, and balustrades are exquisite creations. See signage number 39. View of the two terraces of the Vatadāgē at its entrance located on the north side. The view includes the two moonstones, two pairs of guardstones and the flights of steps and balustrades at each level. Only one guardstone at the lower level still retains its decorative elements. Another example of a relatively well-preserved vatadāgē can be viewed at nearby Medirigiriya.
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