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  • 5/5 Sivapriyan S. 1 year ago on Google • 304 reviews
    Very nice historical landmark. Ruins of King Sankiliyan's minister. Stands as testament to Eelam Tamils rich history. Unfortunately walls inside are full of graffiti. This place also serves as a popular photoshoot location for couples. Many wedding photos are taken here.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anuradha C. 4 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    Nice place to visit. Worthy in architecturally 👌
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thanendran Janon E. 2 years ago on Google • 164 reviews
    This is the history of jaffna kingdom. The Sangiliyan Thoppu is an ancient arch which was once part of the outer facade of the Jaffna Kingdom, at the palace gate. What was once part of the king’s palace, the arch, with what closely resembles a Dutch colonial era aesthetic, is now a protected archaeological monument (as of 2007). Located barely a few metres away from the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in the Nallur suburbs, the arch isn’t the sole reminder of the ancient kingdom that fell hard and fast under Sri Lanka’s Portuguese occupation. Close to the Sangiliyan Thoppu stands a monument commemorating Jaffna’s last king, King Cankili II. Back while the Civil War was taking place, the original Sangiliyan Thoppu, which was made out of plaster, was destroyed beyond repair. What stands in its place now is a gold-plated statue, installed in 2009 after the war came to an end. The monument serves as a reminder of a particularly gory part of Sri Lanka’s history. Upon the death of Ethirimanna Cinkam in 1617, multiple people laid claim to the throne, of which Cankili II⁠—the dead king’s nephew—was one, along with the former king’s brother and an influential chieftain. But eventually, the king’s son was named regent instead. Cankili II then had all claimants as well as all the princes killed, and took the throne for himself, proclaiming himself as king of the Jaffna kingdom. But the Portuguese colonists who had settled in Colombo didn’t recognise his reign, and barely two years later, he was executed by the Portuguese. And so came the abrupt end to a long line of Aryacakravarti kings who had ruled over Jaffna for over three centuries. Following his execution, the palace was destroyed, leaving nothing but the tell-tale foundations. The Sangiliyan Thoppu, being all that remains, is a silent monument to the once-great kingdom of Jaffna. For those who are intrigued by its fascinating history, a tour of the palace ruins the Sangiliyan Thoppu is sure to be a thriller!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sudheera S. 1 year ago on Google • 385 reviews
    The ruins said to be of a minister of King Sankili. Has the architecture and characteristic of an ancient Catholic church. You can see the original structure and some evidences of colonial architecture in here. Looks like a haunted palace now, so good to visit during the day time 😉.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bhanuka S. 9 months ago on Google • 280 reviews
    Pretty straightforward place to visit. There are warnings asking not to go inside as there is a risk of the structure falling down on itself. It's sad to see that some people have taken the time and effort to write their names on the walls. Amazed at how the walls didn't collapse when they were climbing up these walls. :-D
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adithya M. 8 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Out side look is marvelous and its seems haunted mansion, great place to visit in jaffna
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sivatheesan K. 10 months ago on Google • 111 reviews
    One of the ancient historical monument in Jaffna, Nallur region. This place is not properly maintained the allocated department, many tourists visit here everyday but no renovation process is done to show this palace beautiful. Local people misuse this place and vandalize without knowing the value of this palace The building is going to fall very soon. Be careful while entering into the building.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erandy K. 7 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Historic palace situated in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is one of the archaeological protected monuments in Jaffna. The palace is associated with the Jaffna kingdom The palace is associated with the Jaffna kingdom. It is believed to be one of the palaces of a minister of Sangilian, king of Jaffna. Soon it will collapse to ground if not protected.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kris R. 6 years ago on Google
    Partially restored, this building is that speaks a lot. Lovely architectural features that gives an indication of the ancient times. If you are around in jaffna, please do visit this place. An easy walk from nallur temple, its located in close to the main highway and with a garden. No indication or desriptions available.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maliya N. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a photography place. It is also tourist attraction place in Jaffna. -17/12/2022-
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeewanthi H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Manthri Manai is a historic palace situated in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is one of the archaeological protected monuments in Jaffna District. It is believed to be one of the residences of a minister of Cankili,king of Jaffna, before the fall of the Jaffna kingdom to the Portuguese. Its architectural style is a mixture of European (Dutch) and Dravidian architecture.The entrance has a large arched porch and a tower. It is a two-storey structure with wooden carvings decorating the interior walls. It has a well and a wash basin, a cellar, and a staircase leading down to underground rooms and secret tunnels. The building is surrounded by other historical remains of the Jaffna kingdom such as Yamuna Eri and Cankilian Thoppu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Santhosh R. 1 year ago on Google
    An ancient house of a minister. Must visit place around jaffna and takes only a fee minutes to explore
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roney M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very older building. Good place to phography
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanvidu F. 3 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    King Sangiliyan's Minister's House is a historical gem nestled in the heart of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This impeccably preserved mansion, once belonging to the esteemed minister of King Sangiliyan, offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Adorned with intricate woodwork and traditional Jaffna craftsmanship, the house reflects the opulence of its time. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms, each telling a story of bygone eras. The Minister's House stands as a testament to the grandeur of Jaffna's history, inviting guests to step back in time and experience the allure of this distinguished residence.

  • 2/5 Udith G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing to visit here. Just a ruined buildig

  • 4/5 B Y. 3 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    No one is here. No need to pay or no tickets we can see free of charge. Building is little bit dangerous be careful when you are entering inside.

  • 4/5 Rishan S. 4 years ago on Google
    Really very sad to see this great monument dying.we should keep these safer for our future generation.amazing work by the designer and the builders.stone works and wood works are a legend in here.

  • 3/5 Uditha P. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place to get an idea about the life of an affluent family in years past in the region.. but its not maintained or operated in an organized manner... no tickets are needed and no one to guide anyone nor are there any boards explaining the historical facts... but still an interesting view to the past..

  • 4/5 Kayo Chang B. 3 years ago on Google
    The is beautiful historical site. However, like many ruins and historical sites in Sri Lanka, it's not maintained and provides no information. However, it's free to visit and worth seeing.

  • 3/5 Naseef B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nallur is located 3.5 km away from Jaffna town. Originally known by its royal name “Singainagar” Nallur was the capital of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom. This was the official residence of the Minister of king Sankiliyan. This is located in Nallur along the Jaffna Point Pedro road. This is one of the ancient buildings still found in Nallur area. It is believed that this building was the residence of the Minister to the King Sangilian whose Kingdom had Nallur as its capital. This building had been constructed in conformity with a popular architectural design. (Source lakpura.com) There was a theft happened in the place last week. Windows of the residence were stolen by theives. It is believed that the place has high Archeological value. Even though the place is maintained by the Archeological department, there is no security at all. The place is wide open and anyone can enter and exit as they wish at anytime. This is sad that valuable evidence is being erased intentionally or unintentionally because of the ignorance of the officials. Archeological artifacts are the proofs that we existed in the past.

  • 5/5 Ishanka H. 4 years ago on Google
    This is an historical place which dates back to Jaffna kingdom in pre Portuguese era. The building has an architectural importance. You can see plenty of wood carvings here. Most of the building is still intact. There’s a well inside the building as well. Many people ignore this place in their tours to Jaffna. But it’s a good place to visit. It’s very closer to the famous Nallur kovil.

  • 5/5 Arun R. 2 years ago on Google
    Jaffna town. Originally known by its royal name “Singainagar” Nallur was the capital of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom. This was the official residence of the Minister of king Sankiliyan. This is located in Nallur along the Jaffna Point Pedro road. This is one of the ancient buildings still found in Nallur area. It is believed that this building was the residence of the Minister to the King Sangilian whose Kingdom had Nallur as its capital. This building had been constructed in conformity with a popular architectural design. This is a tourist place, people rarely comming to the place.

  • 5/5 Izvan S. 2 years ago on Google
    Mantri Manai or Manthiri Manai (pronounced [mən̪d̪ɪɾɪˑmənəj]; literally Abode of Minister) is a historic palace situated in Nallur, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is one of the archaeological protected monuments in Jaffna District and was listed by the Sri Lankan government in 2007. The palace is associated with the Jaffna kingdom. It is believed to be one of the palaces or residences of a minister of Cankili, king of Jaffna, before the fall of the Jaffna kingdom to the Portuguese. The building is surrounded by other historical remains of the Jaffna kingdom such as the Sattanathar temple, which was one of the city temples of the kingdom; Yamuna Eri and Cankilian Thoppu are also located nearby. However, much of the architectural style belongs to the post-Jaffna kingdom era. The different theories There are a number of contradictory theories about the origin of the building. Some historians say that it could have been built during the Dutch period, referring to the building materials used (bricks, lime plaster, wood and tiles), the structure and ornamental work. Alternatively, the ornamental work on pillars, capitals and the arched porch appear to belong to the Jaffna kingdom's era. After the fall of Nallur, the Portuguese shifted their capital to Jaffna, but they made use of existing structures. Also, the Dutch used pre-existing buildings and they constructed new buildings as well. According to the historians' view, the Mantri Manai could have been renovated or newly constructed by the Dutch. Another source says that the building has no connection with the Jaffna kingdom, but is a 19th-century choultry (guesthouse). Style The Mantri Manai is built in a mixture of European and Dravidian architecture styles. The entrance has an ornamental gateway, a large arched porch and a tower. It is a two-storey structure with wooden carvings decorating the interior walls. It has a well and a wash basin, a cellar, and a staircase leading down to underground rooms and secret tunnels.

  • 5/5 Devdam F. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice and variable history place but not protected by the archaeology department of Sri Lanka


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