Fort Frederic – also referred to as the Trincomalee Fort – is one of the most well-preserved colonial monuments you’ll find on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. A visit to this historical attraction is highly recommended if you’re in the area.
Alexey Komarov, Fort Frederick – panoramio (1), CC BY 3.0
The Creation
The location of the fort was originally the site of the Hindu Koneswaram Temple. Once the Portuguese arrived on the island, they quickly ransacked the temple and established Fort Frederick in its place.
The Design
Most hotels Trincomalee has on offer – for example, the Uga Jungle Beach – will mention the Fort on their itinerary list. What makes this fort so unique is its design – instead of being a square, the layout is triangular. There are battlements with guns attached on either side.
The Dutch Arrive
Despite being first constructed by the Portuguese the Fort didn’t remain in their procession for long. In 1639, the Dutch captured the structure for themselves and used it as a base of operations to drive their fellow European rivals away from the island.
The British Take Over
The Dutch themselves were ousted from the Fort by the British in 1795. The British would use the fort as a garrison and for weapon storage until Sri Lanka was granted independence in 1948.
