When built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, the Jetavanarama stupa stood around 120 metres tall, making it the third-tallest structure in the ancient world after the two great pyramids at Giza. It has since eroded to about 71 metres but remains a vast and imposing presence. The brick mass of the structure is staggering — it is estimated to contain enough bricks to build a wall from London to Edinburgh. An on-site museum displays finds from the excavations including gold jewellery, ivory, and decorated relic caskets.
Jetavanarama Stupa
Once the third-tallest structure in the ancient world