Anuradhapura is the oldest of the ancient cities you can visit in the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka, dating from the 4th century BC. It was the centre of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and was the capital until the 11th century, the seat of some 113 kings. It is noted for some of the tallest brick-built stupas in the world, known here as Dagobas, and unlike the other famous ancient city of Polonnaruwa, you can see interesting Buddhist ceremonies taking place making the city and living and breathing site, rather than just of interest in terms of archeology. A visit to Anuradhapura is easily combined with Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.