About Galle Fort
Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The fort had been the administrative capital of the maritime provinces under the Dutch and British colonial rule. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
- By road: 2.5 hours from Colombo via Southern Expressway
- By train: Coastal train from Colombo (2.5 hours)
- Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Attractions & Activities 4
Fort Ramparts Walk
Stroll along the 1.5 km circuit of the ancient Dutch fort walls at sunset, with the Indian Ocean cra...
Galle Lighthouse
Visit the iconic white lighthouse at the southern tip of the fort, the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lank...
Dutch Reformed Church
Step inside the beautifully preserved 1755 Dutch Reformed Church, one of the oldest Protestant churc...
Boutique Shopping & Cafes
Explore the fort's cobblestone streets lined with artisan boutiques, gem shops, art galleries, and c...
