Galle Fort
Overview
The Portuguese were the first European colonisers to set foot on the island they landed near Galle in 1505 and built this fort. The Dutch defeated them in 1658 and they made Galle their capital and fortified the fort as you find it today. The lighthouse was built by the British when they took over from the Dutch in 1796.
The best way to see the fort within its walls is to walk with a local guide and hear the stories of times past. Visit the museums, and wander around the maze of cobblestoned streets with their picturesque houses and Dutch names. Relax with a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh King Coconut water and climb up to the fortification of the fort and walk around. The Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
