The Satmahal Prasada or 'seven-storied stupa' was built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). The stupa is apparently unique in Sri Lanka; although excavations at Annuradhapura indicate that the 2nd century BC Digavapi Cetiya was also square in shape and built of brick.

Essentially; the Satmahal Prasada is a square; pyramid-like structure [rather like a much smaller and much steeper version of the step-pyramid of King Zoser (c2650 BC) in Egypt] that once had seven levels; now reduced by time to six; becoming consecutively smaller towards the top. Each of the four sides of each tier of the Satmahal Prasada is (or was) ornamented by the figure of a deity in a single arched niche.

Polonnaruwa; the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms; was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I; who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.