The Architectural Wonders of Galle Fort - A Walking Tour

Duration: 2-3 Hours

Highlights: Explore Sri Lanka’s most expensive stretch of land and a masterpiece dating back to the 16th Century. A walking tour around the Galle Fort teaches you all about the fortified city and its 14 bastions.

Itinerary

Now a bustling leisure hub and a city within a city, the Galle Fort was initially a purpose-built military fortress built by the Europeans. Architecture in this part of the island reflects a Dutch influence, with ornate verandahs and arched windows. Walk along the paved streets amongst the old manor houses and private homes which have today been carefully restored as restaurants, shops and hotels. See the clock tower and the lighthouse and admire the Protestant Church, Buddhist Temple and Mosque, all encouraging harmonious living. From here, it’s on to the saffron-colored Galle Maritime Museum, housing marine animal models, traditional sea-fare equipment, old maps, naval craft and an array of interesting items salvaged from shipwrecks. The Fort, which both the Portuguese and the Dutch claim as their own, has 14 Bastions, each with a story of its own. For example, the Aeolus Bastian, which translates as sea breeze, so called because of the importance of wind for ships and its location next to the Dutch Naval Commander's official residence. Or, Zwart Bastion (a Dutch word for black) which was constantly covered in dark smoke coming from the fire of canons, guns and smithies. After your tour, you might like to stroll through the streets on your own, soaking up the lively atmosphere.