The "thousand rooms" of the palace of Parakrama Bahu were protected within the citadel by a double row of ramparts, in turn protected by the walled town of Polonnaruwa. The state rooms are laid out around an impressive main courtyard and many still boast lovely artwork despite the destruction of the palace in the 13C, such as the bas-reliefs of lions and elephants in the Council Room, which have withstood the test of time to the delight of 21C visitors.