Galle Fort – Galle, Sri Lanka - Atlas Obscura
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Galle Fort

Galle, Sri Lanka

This fort dates back to 1588 and was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English and sits prominently on the Indian Ocean where azure water lap the coast. 

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Galle Fort A.Savin
Galle Fort A.Savin
Locals Enjoying Free Fort Entertainment MarkTimeTravel (Atlas Obscura User)
Galle Fort Clock Tower and Cricket Ground MarkTimeTravel (Atlas Obscura User)
Court Square in Galle Fort voscott (Atlas Obscura User)
Galle Dutch Fort Lighthouse yooperann (Atlas Obscura User)
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The city of Galle in Sri Lanka is perfect for walking and taking in architecture from the past three centuries. A fort on the Bay of Galle was established by Portuguese colonizers in 1588, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century.

The fort resembles a small walled town with streets in a rectangular grid pattern and low houses in the Dutch colonial style. Inside the fort area there are a number of historic churches, mosques, commercial and government buildings. Make sure to try egg and string hoppers for breakfast and visit one of the local beaches in Unawatuna or Welligama.

Know Before You Go

Since you'll probably be traveling south to Galle from Colombo there are two options: the train with a view of the local villages and the sea or a private driver. I would not recommend renting a car or driving in Sri Lanka as it may be hazardous to your health and peace of mind. Leave the driving to the professionals.

forts colonialism
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voscott
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Published
May 11, 2021
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Nearby
Unawatuna Peace Pagoda
1.58 miles
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18.74 miles
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