Located on the honeyed shores of the south coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a lively and lovely city. From the buses and tuk-tuks that whiz by, to the fishermen selling their daily catch, the city is bursting with various sounds, smells and sights. However, amidst all this commotion there is an oasis of peace—the Galle Fort.
Built in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently taken over by the Dutch and then later by the British, until Sri Lanka gained independence. The Galle Fort is living history, and not only is the structure itself fascinating, but the inside the fort, has for the most part remained unchanged. Here are eight historic buildings and places to visit in Galle Fort.
The Galle Lighthouse, also known as Pointe de Galle Light, is Sri Lankan’s oldest light station and is located within the walls of the Galle Fort. It was originally built by the British in 1848. However, a terrible fire destroyed the lighthouse, which led to the construction of a new lighthouse in 1939, and this is the one you can see today. The new lighthouse stands 26.5 metres high, and its gorgeous view of the ocean makes it one of the best places in Galle to watch the sunset from!
One of the best things to see in Galle is the Galle Clock Tower. Looming over the Main Gate, the clocktower was constructed in 1833 to honour Dr Peter Daniel Anthonisz, a Colonial Surgeon born in Galle who cared for people in the region. The clocktower also has a great view of the Galle International Cricket Stadium and the Moon Bastion. This is also a wonderful place to begin your walking tour of Galle Fort.
Today the Dutch Hospital in Galle Fort is a popular shopping and dining precinct with panoramic views of the sparkling Indian Ocean. However, as it is apparent by its name, the building was once the hospital to the personnel of the Dutch East India Company. Once the British captured the fort in 1796, the white-walled hospital with large breezy verandas became army barracks, subsequently, the building had several other purposes which included housing the Galle Town Hall.
“The atmosphere inside the fort is completely unlike anything you will experience anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The fort’s interior feels like a time capsule, with picturesque cobblestone streets and large Dutch villas. It is also unique as it is a melting pot of cultures, nowhere else on the island will you see as much diversity in such proximity as you would in Galle Fort.
Do you want to know more about authentic Italian cuisine, best wine pairings and secret offers at AQUA Forte? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to-date!
A testament to this diversity is the fort’s three main religious sites. The Groote Kerk, Meeran Mosque, and Sudharmalaya Temple are all just a stone’s throw away from each other, and each building is one of Galle Fort’s main attractions by its own right.”
The Galle Fort itself is a museum in its own way – from the beautifully preserved exterior to all these stunning historic buildings that have remained unchanged. However, Sri Lanka has a long and colourful history, and the fort has two of the country’s most prominent museums – the Maritime Museum and the Galle National Museum. The two museums are excellent places to visit in Galle on a one-day trip, not only for the artefacts but to also admire the buildings in which they are found. The Maritime Museum was constructed when the fortification was still a Portuguese stronghold and it is the last remnant of Portuguese rule. The building which houses the Galle National Museum was constructed in 1656 by the Dutch as a commissariat store.
Everything about Galle Fort is unique, and your holiday in Sri Lanka would be incomplete without a visit to the largest European fort in Asia. End your stroll down history with a meal at one of the most beautiful places in Galle, which perfectly captures the fort’s essence – AQUA Forte. Our authentic Italian restaurant combines the laid-back historical charm of Galle Fort with an elegant and modern twist.
Do you want to know more about authentic Italian cuisine, best wine pairings and secret offers at AQUA Forte? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to-date!
