Often regarded the most recognizable landmark in the entire southern coastline the Dutch Galle Fort is not only a cultural hotspot but a historic point of interest as well. Tipped to be one of the must-visit hotspots on a tour of Galle, visitors based in a centrally located hotel such as Cantaloupe Aqua will have easy access to the Galle Dutch Fort and other attractions around the southern capital.
Having hosted the Galle Literary Festival and countless other international events in its illustrious history it is difficult today to fathom that the Galle Fort was first constructed as a defence mechanism by Portuguese colonialists as early as the 16th century. Often regarded as one of South East Asia’s most iconic fortified cities the European construction served as a defence apparatus into the 18th century and remained a colonial stronghold till independence in the 1940’s. As the southern shoreline’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Galle Fort is an architectural and archeologically significant landmark in the heart of Galle town. Having survived the 2004 Tsunami the venue remains one of the top attractions in the city of Galle housing some of its top cafes, hotels and cultural hotspots.
Must-visit highlights on a tour of the Galle Dutch Fort include the Galle Lighthouse and countless other landmarks erected by the British colonialists while other points of interest include the Meera Mosque and the Dutch Reformed Church with its iconic belfry. The All Saints Anglican Church which dates back to 1871 and the National Maritime Museum are also contained within the fort in addition to the Old Dutch Hospital and the Old Dutch Government House.
The first breadfruit tree to be planted in Sri Lanka is also found along Akersloot Bastion within the Dutch Fort while some of the other must-visit attractions in the fort include its many new age coffee houses, painter workshops and design studios which are owned, managed or occupied by artists from around the world.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+
