Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Fort 2.png

Galle Dutch Fort

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortification which was first built by the Portuguese in 1588. Later in the 17th Century, Galle Fort underwent extensive modifications and expansions which were carried out by the Dutch. This Colonial fortification is one of the most significant historic monuments which was constructed and later expanded with European architectural influence in South East Asia.

Galle Dutch Fort was constructed to protect the port city Galle, which is one of the main cities of South West Coast of Sri Lanka. Galle was mentioned in Ptolemy’s World Map in the 2nd Century AD as this was one of the main maritime trading hubs connecting traders and shipping routes from Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Galle was port where ‘Lourenço de Almeida’ the Portugues explorer – military commander first landed in 1505. This landing was the beginning of the ‘Portuguese era’ of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) which lasted until 1658. During this period, the island country experienced many armed conflicts between Sinhalese kings who ruled rest of the country and Portuguese who occupied the coastlines and main coastal cities including Colombo, Galle etc.

In 1640, Dutch joined hand with Sinhalese Rulers of Sri Lanka against Portuguese to control the coastal trades and capture military garrisons established by the Portuguese. Galle Fort was fallen to Dutch in 1640. Later the Fort was rebuilt, extended and fortified by Dutch with many new additions including churches, garrisons, administrative buildings, gun houses and warehouses.

British took over the fort on 23 February 1796, one week after Colombo was captured. In 1815, Kandy - last Kingdom of Sri Lanka was surrendered to British rule and the entire country became a British Crown Colony. Sri Lanka remained a British Colony from 1815 until regaining independence in 1948

Historical monuments in Galle Fort include:

  • The Dutch Government House and The Residence of the Commander

  • Galle Fort Clock Tower

  • Dutch Reformed Church

  • Historical Mansion Museum

  • Galle Fort Flag Rock Bastion, Sun Bastion, Moon Bastion Zwart Bastion

  • National Maritime Archaeology Museum

  • Old Dutch Hospital

  • Dutch mansion and former warehouse (Now Galle Fort Hotel)

  • All Saints' Church

  • National Museum of Galle

  • Galle Fort Ambalama

 Stay at Royal Indigo Villa and visit the Galle For (Galle Dutch Fort Excursion).

Guests at Royal Indigo Villa can embark on an exciting and day-excursion to Galle Dutch Fort. It is just around 10 Kms. (approx.. ½ Drive) to the Galle Fort. This would be an exciting adventure full of fun while witnessing one of the UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites.

 Staying at Royal Indigo Villa is a unique experience. Colonial architecture & antique-style furniture take you back to Sri Lanka’s Colonial era, enabling you to experience the lifestyle of Ceylon’s governing elite in 18th & 19th Century Ceylon with modern-day luxury comforts. Royal Indigo Villa is a luxury boutique beachfront villa situated at the world-famous Thalpe (Galle) beach strip of Southern Sri Lanka.  Royal Indigo Villa offers you modern star-class facilities, comfortable spacious rooms, amazing beachfront with spectacular Sea-view, a sea-water pool, service of a very skilful resident Chef – to prepare western and authentic Sri Lankan dishes, caring staff and all the ingredients for a blissful private beach holiday of a lifetime.  Experience the Sri Lankan hospitality at its best - contact us for more details.

Stuart Hall