Fort Galle is located in the bay of the same name in the southeast of Sri Lanka. It is an archaeological, architectural and historical heritage that has retained its magnificent view for more than four centuries thanks to the reconstruction work carried out by the specialists of Sri Lanka.

Galle (city), Sri Lanka

It is a fairly large port city. Its population is over one hundred thousand people. In the past, the city was the main water gate of the country. Its history is interesting. The name of the city is not local, but Portuguese. The word "galle" is translated as "rooster". It all began in 1505, when a Portuguese merchant ship wrecked. In the morning after the tragedy, the team realized that they were on uncharted land. Only the crowing of a rooster spoke of the habitability of this place. This is where the name of the city comes from. Its main attraction is the fort, which was built for almost a century and a half.

Fort history

It was the Portuguese who built a fortress on this land. This happened in 1588. But when the Dutch came here in the 17th century, it was rebuilt, so the Galle Fort is considered a Dutch fortress. 1663 is considered the date of its foundation. For 200 years, the fortress was the main port of the country, it was the place where ships moored on their way from Europe to Asia.

Fort today

The modern fort of Galle (Sri Lanka) is an urban area called the Old City. It is also the main tourist area. Behind the high walls of the fort are shops and hotels, restaurants and cafes, banks and offices, there is even its own market. Here, a calm and measured life flows as usual. There is no bustle in this place, which is typical for neighboring districts located at a distance of several hundred meters from the fortress.

Fort Galle (Sri Lanka) has a quiet, almost romantic setting, which is conducive to walking along the ancient narrow streets. This is a whole complex of sights and memorable places, since in addition to the walls and ancient buildings on the territory of the fort there are museums, a lighthouse, antique shops, jewelry workshops, a mosque and a church.

Fort Galle (Sri Lanka), a photo of which you can see in the article, is a network of bastions that once reflected the attacks of the invaders. Everyone in the composition excursion group or can independently walk through the ruins of this citadel.

The Skalisty Cape Bastion signaled to the ships about the approach of the enemy. From the fortress of Pigeon Island, located nearby, the soldiers fired at the enemy ships. At the Triton bastion was located She supplied sea water, provided the economic needs of the town. The bastions of the Moon, the Stars and the Sun are sequentially one after another on the narrow isthmus of the peninsula. And the bastions of Tsong, Shter and Maan defended the fort from the side. Only the Tsvat bastion has survived to this day.

Fort Galle (Sri Lanka) is always open because it is part of the city. You can get to the territory through two entrances (the old and the main gate). There is no admission fee, and you will have to pay for some sightseeing. If you have enough time, then we recommend that you not only walk along the streets and the center of the fort. Go around it along the perimeter, along the walls, to which several stairs lead.

sights

We invite you to get acquainted with the interesting places of the Galle Fort (Sri Lanka). And you should start your acquaintance with the ancient walls, along which anyone can walk: the paths are wide, completely safe. Sunset walks are especially popular, when the sun sinks over the ocean, painting it and its surroundings in a variety of colors. Bright and picturesque views will make a huge impression even on a person completely devoid of romance. For contemplation of these beauties, small, but very comfortable benches are equipped on some parts of the walls.

New East Hotel

This is not only the oldest hotel in the country, but also the oldest in Asia. The magnificent colonial-style building was erected in 1864 as the governor's residence. Today, the house of a senior official has become a hotel, which has practically not undergone any changes either outside or inside. The cost of living in it is overpriced. But this does not stop wealthy tourists who are willing to pay for accommodation in an ancient mansion located on the territory of the famous monument.

Lighthouse

To the east of the Galle Fort (Sri Lanka) is the Utrecht Bastion. In 1848, a twenty-four and a half meter high lighthouse was built on top of it. At that time, he played an important strategic role - he showed the way to ships in a difficult navigation bay.

After a fire in 1934, the lighthouse was destroyed. Five years later, a new one was built in its place. It is a white rounded tower with a height of more than 26 m and a diameter of 47 m. Its flash illuminates the sky at night every ten seconds.

Clock tower

In part of the bastion, which was built in 1663, this tower was erected with a height of forty meters. Once it also played the role of a beacon for ships entering the port. Over time, this need disappeared, and a clock with a Roman dial was installed on the top of the tower. Unfortunately, they cannot boast of the accuracy of the move. Tourists are not allowed inside the building.

National Museum

The museum is located in the oldest fort building, which was built in 1656, although the exhibition halls were opened to the public only in 1986. They introduce archaeological finds discovered in the south of Sri Lanka. These are dishes and ritual masks, jewelry and household items. There are also exhibits of the Dutch era: earthen vessels and weapons.

Maritime museum

This museum is the only one in the country dedicated to the ichthyofauna of this region. Here you can also get acquainted with the difficult life of fishermen. The museum worked quite successfully until 2004. It was in this year that a devastating tsunami swept through these places.

The costs of restoring the complex were covered by the Dutch government. In the museum, visitors can see several rooms in which they are invited to get acquainted with the life and life of fishing villages. The exposition of turtles and corals, invertebrates and fish deserves special attention. The highlight of the exhibition is the whale skeleton. Expansion of expositions is planned in the near future.

Historical Museum

It is the largest private museum in the country. It contains things that once belonged to the wealthy jeweler Abdul Ghaffar. For forty years he collected paintings and original pieces of furniture, unique antiques. Today, all this is part of the exhibition, which is now available to the general public.

Great temple

Initially, there was an old church on this site in the Galle Fort (Sri Lanka), which was erected in 1640. In 1752 it was reconstructed and turned into a two-level Great Temple. On the first level, the floor is laid out with Dutch gravestones. On the second floor there is a functioning organ, which was installed back in 1760. The multicolored stained-glass windows deserve no less attention.

Government House

This colonial era building, erected in 1701, is located opposite the Great Temple. The image of a rooster is still located above the massive entrance doors. And nowadays, real Dutch ovens are heated in the building. Tourists cannot get inside, but no one will prevent you from admiring the architecture and beautiful facades.

Where to stay?

In the fort itself, there are many who are ready to offer accommodation and quite a decent level of comfort. Below we present to you some hotels in Galle (Sri Lanka), where you can stay during your trip.

Tropical Retreat hotel 3 *

This friendly hotel offers its guests comfortable rooms. All are equipped with a seating area, balcony, air conditioning and minibar. Travelers have a bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and toiletries. The rooms overlook the beautiful garden. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a cozy restaurant.

Green Casa hotel 3 *

Located in Galle, 1.7 km from the fort. All rooms are furnished with modern functional furniture and have a well-equipped bathroom. Amenities include LCD TV, air conditioning. The hotel offers rental bicycles. Private parking is available on site.

Era Beach 5 *

This luxurious hotel belongs to the family of mini-hotels, in which the small number of rooms is compensated by the refined atmosphere and excellent service. Guests will enjoy private accommodation in a picturesque old mansion. There is a modern spa center on site that offers Ayurvedic massages, aromatherapy and other body and face treatments.

Here you will be offered to take an exciting boat trip, watch dolphins and whales, and do your favorite water sports.

Sri Lanka, Galle: reviews

The impressions of a trip to Galle are different. Most tourists are satisfied with their visit to the city; they remember the picturesque landscapes and unique ancient monuments. Negative reviews most often relate to some hotels, in which there are frequent interruptions in water supply and unprofessional work of the staff is noted. But this does not apply to hotels with 4 and 5 stars.

We decided to continue our acquaintance with the tourist component of Sri Lanka. For these purposes, the city of Galle was chosen, the capital Southern province the island, which is very conveniently located just 30 minutes by bus from Hikkaduwa.

A city and a port, Galle has been known since biblical times as a center for the gem trade and a staging post for the then financial flows between Arabia and China. Galle owes its modern name to the Portuguese, who traditionally went astray and landed here in 1505. It was the Portuguese who built the first fortifications to protect the city from local residents, but in 1640, after fierce battles, they nevertheless gave the port to the Dutch, and they built the very fort that attracts crowds of tourists here, both from abroad and and from Sri Lanka itself.

A whole city is located on the modern territory of the fort: temples, residential and administrative buildings, a lighthouse, a prison and much more.

Photo: Wikipedia

The fort is located near the central bus station of Galle, so you won't have to look for it for a long time, you can get to the fort territory directly through the main entrance in the wall:

You will have to walk about 10 minutes from the bus station.

As a guide, you can take the clock tower, you can see it quite well from afar:

There is a cricket stadium across the street from the fort:

If the ticket office runs out of tickets or their price is too unaffordable for a simple Sri Lankan (especially when England is playing), then an excellent and absolutely free view of the field opens up from the walls of the fort.

The territory of the fort is a favorite meeting place for lovers:

And a recreation area for family groups:

This is not surprising, the surrounding area is incredibly beautiful, and the local atmosphere captivates with its tranquility:

From the territory of the fort you can see the ocean:

We continue to walk among the stone walls of the fort:

Only the remaining earthen ramparts remind of the peaks of the former fighting spirit:

The role of the fort in the modern sexual revolution of Sri Lanka deserves special attention.

Not so long ago, it was forbidden in the country to walk alone with a girl on the street, and even more so to touch her with your hands if you are not a spouse, now this rule has been officially canceled, but by inertia such a public display of feelings is still considered unacceptable. Therefore, the fort serves as a great place to hide from annoying public morality:

Concentration of tenderness and mimicry for one square kilometer just rolls over:

We go to inspect the internal structure of the fort:

Pleasant colonial buildings are pleasing to the eye:

Surprisingly, this is exactly what Sri Lankan luxury real estate looks like. Here are the highest prices on the island:

Only wealthy local citizens and Europeans can afford to live in these luxury residential complexes:

Local rich people can enjoy walks in a real park area with a long history:

The elite peace is guarded by the police on motorcycles:

And someone is naughty:

In the vicinity of Galle, the ocean is very clean, and the large number of reefs in the coastal waters makes it also calm, so after a tiring walk you can swim in cool water, although sometimes you have to stand in a short queue.

As we said, Galle is very popular with both local and foreign tourists.

In this regard, the imagination of local entrepreneurs does not stand still, but produces original ideas for earning money. To start a business, you will need: three local residents, a higher rock and an ocean, as you can see, the investment is zero. Then we collect a few rupees from tourists for watching cliff diving ... PROFIT. True, there is a risk that once a season you will have to repair / change performers.

Bidding for the cost of a jump is usually quite tumultuous:

This attraction attracts not only foreign tourists:

If you feel sorry for giving money to look at someone's possible injury, then this can be done for free:

Meanwhile, the weather began to deteriorate sharply and an imposing black cloud was approaching towards Galle:

We, in principle, do not care what the weather is, as long as the pictures are beautiful:

Opposite view:

By the way, at a gas station in Galle, we noticed one interesting detail, in Sri Lanka there are no restrictions on the type of container for fuel:

There are no traffic lights in Galle, as, indeed, throughout Sri Lanka, traffic is regulated by the police (the only exception is the capital):

As in any large city, one of the main occupations of the local population is spontaneous trade, senseless and merciless:

In the city itself, by and large, there is nothing to do, you can buy fish, drink tea well, and slowly move to the bus station. :)

And in the next post we will tell you about the mysterious and unknown game of cricket, moreover, we will even try to learn its rules and play.

Fort Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. The building has an ancient and interesting history.

It is not possible to find out the exact date of the construction of the fortification walls and towers. It is believed that the first fortress was built by the Arabs 2000 years ago, then in 1588 it was rebuilt by the Portuguese, who arrived on the island in search of new trade opportunities, in the 17th century they were ousted by the Dutch, who declared Sri Lanka their colony. In the 19th century, the appearance of the fort was changed by the British.

Video walk along the walls of the fort:

Today the Galle Fort is an area of ​​the port city of the same name. Surrounded by walls are cafes, shops, museums, a hotel, banks and even a market. The narrow streets and houses of the colonial period invite you to plunge into the atmosphere of the years gone by.

How to get to Galle?

Galle is located about 166 km from Colombo and 140 km from international airport... There are several ways to get to the resort:

Taxi.

Simple, fast, but expensive. The trip will cost about 100 USD. Travel time is 3 hours.

You can also get to Galle by train or bus, but with a mandatory change in Colombo, regardless of the option chosen.

There is a bus stop near the airport terminal. Take bus no. 187. On its route there are stops “Railway station Colombo”, and then “Bus station Colombo”.

Bus

There are many buses to Galle from the bus station. The schedule is convenient, so you won't have to wait long. Travel time is about 4 hours. The ticket price depends on the comfort of the transport.

A ticket for an ordinary bus without air conditioning, crowded with locals, costs a little more than 60 LKR, for a comfortable trip with air conditioning you will have to pay already 150 LKR, and for a minibus - all 295 LKR.

You can take a bus to Galle not only at the bus station, but also at any stop along Galle Road. It is part of the A2 highway that leads to the resort.

Train

Around 10 trains are available daily. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. This trip will appeal to lovers of exotic and thrill. The ticket price is determined by the class of the train. Class 3 - 100 LKR, 2 - 200 LKR, 1 - 350 LKR.

The fort itself is located near the Galle central bus station, about a 10-minute walk, so you won't have to look for it for a long time. The entrance is through the main gate in the wall.

The main attractions on the territory of the Galle Fort

The entrance to the territory of the fort is free. If at the gate you meet a Lankan who asks you to buy an entrance ticket or says that the fort is closed for visits today and offers to take you to see other cultural and historical places - pass by and do not pay attention to the swindler.

New East Hotel

This is not only the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka, but throughout Asia. The colonial-style building was built back in 1864 as a residence for the Dutch governor. Today the house of the official has turned into a hotel, which has undergone practically no changes either inside or outside. The cost of rooms in it is somewhat overpriced, but wealthy tourists are ready to overpay for living in an old mansion on the territory of a monument of world importance.

The entrance is free.

The Utrecht Bastion is located in the eastern part of the fort. A 24.5 m high lighthouse was erected on its summit in 1848. It was of great strategic importance - it showed the way to ships in a difficult bay from the point of view of navigation. As a result of a severe fire in 1934, the lighthouse collapsed. Only in 1939 a new one appeared in its place. It is a white rounded tower, which is just over 26 m high and 47 m in diameter. A flash illuminates the night sky every 10 seconds.

Entry - depends on the mood of the caretaker and the time of year. In the low season - 350-300 LKN per person, in the high season it can rise up to 800 LKN. Bargaining is always appropriate.

The 40 m high tower is part of a bastion built during the Dutch rule in 1640-1663. Once she played the role of a lighthouse, past which travelers sailed, entering the port through the city gates. Over time, the need for a navigational light source disappeared, and a clock with a Roman dial was installed on the top of the tower. However, they cannot boast of the accuracy of the move.

Tourists are not allowed inside the building, but you can inspect the outside of the clock tower for as long and absolutely free of charge.

National Museum

The museum is located in one of the old buildings of the fort, dating back to 1656, although the expositions themselves opened only in 1986. They offer to get acquainted with archaeological finds made in the south of Sri Lanka. These are ritual masks, dishes, household items, ornaments. There are exhibits from the Dutch era - weapons and clay vessels. No photography allowed.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00

Entrance - 650 LKN

Maritime Archaeological Museum

This is the only museum in Sri Lanka that tells about the ichthyofauna of the region and the difficult life of fishermen. The museum operated successfully from 1992 until 2004, when a devastating tsunami swept across the island.

The Dutch government assumed all the costs of restoring the complex. There are several halls in the museum, where you can get acquainted with the evolution of local watercraft, the way of life of fishing villages, fishing equipment. The exhibition of corals, turtles, fish, invertebrates deserves special attention. The highlight of the exhibition is a life-size whale skeleton. Museum workers are planning a global expansion of the exposition.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 07:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 100 LKN

Dutch Period Museum (Dutch Museum)

Located in an old Dutch house. Its façade has been restored, and large-scale internal work has been carried out. A modest exposition is presented by the things of the colonialists of the past years.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 100 LKN

Historical Museum in the mansion building

This is the largest private museum in Sri Lanka, which houses antiques that once belonged to wealthy jeweler Abdul Ghaffar. For 40 years, he collected fine pieces of furniture, paintings, and expensive antiques. Today, all this has become part of the exhibition available to the general public.

The beautiful building houses a miniature courtyard decorated with a massive stone slab bearing the monogram of the Dutch East India Company.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 18:00

Entrance - 250 LKN

Opposite the Great Temple there is a house of the era of colonization, erected in 1701. Above the heavy entrance doors, there is an image of a rooster. Real Dutch ovens are still being heated inside. Alas, you can't get inside, you can only enjoy the exterior of the building.

Initially, it was an old church, built in 1640, in 1752, after a significant alteration, the church turned into a Great Temple, consisting of 2 levels. The floor of the first level is lined with Dutch gravestones. The second has a functioning organ, installed in 1760. The multicolored stained-glass windows deserve the same close attention.

The entrance is free.

This temple, erected by the Jesuits in the late 19th century, is considered not only the main attraction of Galle, but also the largest Catholic temple in Sri Lanka. The church is active. Services are regularly held there.

The entrance is free. Donations are welcome.

Among other religious buildings, it is worth visiting the Peace Pagoda, the Buddhist temples of Seenigama and Kalutara, as well as the Miran Jamma Masjid Mosque.

Bastions

The fort is a network of fortified bastions that very successfully repelled the treacherous attacks of the enemies. Anyone can, independently or as part of an excursion, walk through the ruins of the defensive infrastructure.

Bastion Skalisty Cape gave signals to ships about the approach of the enemy. From the loopholes located near the fortress of Pigeon Island, the soldiers fired heavy fire at the enemy ships.

On the territory of the Triton bastion there was a windmill, which supplied sea water to meet the economic needs of the town.

The bastions of the Sun, Moon and Zvezda are located sequentially one after another on a narrow isthmus of the peninsula. And the bastions of Shter, Tsong and Maan defended the fort from the side of the earth. Only the Tsvat bastion has been well preserved to this day.

Group excursion - from 300 LKN per person.

Fort walls

The walls surrounding the fort are also a kind of attraction. Anyone can take a walk on them: the paths are wide, and therefore absolutely safe. Especially popular are the promenades at sunset, when the sun sets in the ocean, painting it in different colors. The scenic views will impress even the snob. For a long contemplation of the Sri Lankan beauty, some parts of the walls are equipped with small benches.

Where to have a snack?

For tourists who spend several hours exploring the fort and its attractions, there are many cafes and restaurants. The prices in them are slightly higher compared to establishments outside the fortress walls.

The decoration of the establishments is not particularly chic, it is a symbiosis of Asian and Western cultures, but they are fed deliciously and generously with dishes of local and European cuisine.

Pedlar's Inn Cafe, The Fort Printers, Lucky Fort Restaurant, and Crepe-ology are worth checking out.

Shops and shops

There are even more shops in Fort Galle than cultural monuments. Trade is carried out in almost every home. The leading place belongs to jewelry stores, which is not surprising, because Sri Lanka is famous for precious stones all over the world. Also, tourists are offered to buy handicrafts, masks and tea at inflated prices. There are art galleries where local artists sell the fruits of their inspiration expressed on canvas.

Hello friends. This time we will tell you about one of the five sights of Sri Lanka from the UNESCO list. Once King Solomon sent his ships here for gems and ivory. Now it houses the largest surviving European fortress in Asia. Intrigued? The Galle Fort will be the subject of our attention.

Sri Lanka. The administrative center of the Southern Province is the city of Galle. City Approximately 2 hours from.

The closest beaches to Galle are Bonavista, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.

History

Driving in the south of the country, it is almost impossible to ignore the city of Galle, located near Colombo.

It is believed that the first foreigners to set foot on the island were the Portuguese. They, having heard the crowing of a rooster here, gave the city such a name. "Halo" is translated from Portuguese as "rooster".

They built the first fortification that was supposed to guard the port by the 16th century after the battle with the Kandians.

But by 1640 the fortress surrendered under the onslaught of the Dutch.

It was the Dutch who built a fort here, which they called the Galle Fort.

A whole city with churches, mosques, a prison, residential and administrative buildings was erected on its territory. Many buildings were naturally given Dutch names.

But the main gate from the north of the fortress, as they came down to us, was already built by the British by 1873. Although before that, the Portuguese and the Dutch had a hand in their creation. The latter greatly enlarged this part of the wall, and also divided it into bastions.

Guided tour of the fort

Well, now is the time to move on to the sightseeing of the fort. The entire fortress occupies the territory of the Old Town. It is a mixture of different architectural styles.

• Old Gate

Above them is the coat of arms of the Dutch company. The National Maritime Museum is located here.

• Black fort

Located to the left of the Old Gate. This is the oldest bastion of the fort. It was built by the Portuguese.

• The eastern part of the wall ends at the Utrecht bastion.
• By the beginning of the 20th century, an 18-meter lighthouse was built here.

• Another lighthouse was located on the Triton bastion.
• There is also a windmill. She served the townspeople to supply water.
• In total, there are 12 bastions on the territory of the fortress.

• Not far from the gates of the fort rises a forty-meter clock tower.

In addition to National Museum, which we have already mentioned, you can visit a number of others.

• The Maritime Archaeological Museum, which has collected many finds from sunken ships.
• The Dutch Museum is located under the roof of one of the private houses.
• And you can learn more about the history of the city in one of the oldest hotels in South Asia - the East Hotel. The history of Galle is explained here by maps and graffiti.
• Behind the hotel you will see the Great Temple. It is a Dutch structure built in 1640. Its floor is paved with tombstones from the old cemetery.

• Opposite the temple is the bell tower of 1701 and the House of the Dutch Government.
• The space above the doorway is still decorated with the symbol of the Dutch company - the rooster.
• This house is also known for the fact that it contains very old stoves and, according to legend, ghosts live.
• Fans of antiques and old household items should definitely visit the Historical Museum in the mansion building. Here you will learn a lot about the peculiarities of Dutch architecture and life.
• Among the religious attractions here are the Catholic Church of St. Mary, a Buddhist temple, a white mosque.

In fact, you shouldn't be upset if you don't have time to visit all of these museums. Just take a walk in Galle: jewelry workshops, picturesque towers, antique shops and colorful streets will already give you a lot to understand this unusual place.

Working hours

The fort is open all the time.

What is the price

The entrance to the fort itself is free. However, different fees apply for access to individual attractions.

Where to stay in Galle

Now many housing options in Halle have appeared on the service AirBnb... We have written how to use this service. If you do not find an available hotel room, then look for accommodation through this booking site.

We offer good options for hotels in Galle

How to get there

• There are trains from Colombo, Matara and buses to Galle.
• To get to the fort you need to take any Galle bus in the city of Galle and get to the terminal station.

Fort Galle on the map

Address: Lighthouse St, 65a, Fort Galle

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Galle, Sri Lanka: fort, weather, map, attractions

Galle has long been a famous port city connecting trade routes from Europe to Asia, where Persian, Arab, Malay, Chinese, Roman and Greek ships stopped. For the first time, the mention of the port city at this place was documented on the world map of Ptolemy 125-150 years. Modern Galle is a major tourist, administrative and economic center. The correct pronunciation of the name of the city, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the Sinhalese language, is the variant - Gálle, although the local population often uses "Goll".

During its existence, the city from the 16th century was under the control of the Portuguese colonialists, in the middle of the 17th century it came under the control of the Dutch and in the 19th it was captured by the British, to whom it belonged until the liberation of Sri Lanka from the status of a colony in 1948. The city, like the Fort, experienced a heyday during the Dutch reign, shortly before the Fort was handed over to the British. The Sea Fort, which is the main attraction of the city of Galle, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Galle Map

Modern Galle can be roughly divided into a new city and an old city with a Fort. All the fortifications located on a fortified rocky peninsula jutting into the ocean can be attributed to the old city.

The new city is located on the territory behind the railway, bordering the shores of the Galle Bay, in the direction inland. Old Galle is a very atmospheric city, which differs from most cities in Sri Lanka for its colonial architecture, quiet cobbled streets, ideal for walking.

Galle is located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, 147 km from Katunayake International Airport, in the Galle Bay. The city is the fourth largest in the country, the administrative capital of the Southern Province and Galle District and one of the largest seaports.

• to the south - Katugoda, Unawatuna, Mihiripena, Koggala, Ahangama;
• to the north - Dodanduva, Tirangama, Hikkaduwa, Ambalangoda, Balapitiya.

Galle has a large train station and a bus station where buses stop from Galle to Colombo, Matara and the central provinces of the country.

How to get to Galle from the airport

Getting from the international airport in Negombo to Galle is not at all difficult. Taxis are available: the airport's official prepaid fixed-price taxi counter is located outside the airport arrivals hall.

The prepaid taxi stand is open daily, 24 hours. There is no need to book a taxi ride in advance. Payment is made in cash at the counter in Sri Lankan rupees, the price is fixed. The cost of a taxi ride with an AS from Sri Lanka International Airport in Galle is about 10,000 rupees. (price per car).

To travel from the airport to Galle by public transport, you must first get to the bus station Pettah or Central bus station by bus # 187, 187-1, 187-3. Buses between the airport and Colombo run around the clock, but at night it runs once an hour. From Colombo Fort, a 10-minute walk from Pettah Bus Station or Central Bus Station, you can take a train to Galle.

If you plan to use the bus, then you need to walk from the Central Bus Station to the Pettah Bus Station, located 10 minutes from the Colombo Fort railway station. Next, you need to take a suburban bus number 2 or 32, following to Galle. The cost of a trip to Galle by public transport will total about Rs 350-500 per person.

Hotels, shops, restaurants in Galle

Galle is large modern city and an administrative center with a well-developed infrastructure. There are chain grocery supermarkets Keels, Foodcity, small retail trade in the city.

The city has grocery, bakery, fruit, fish and market stalls, as well as many shops selling souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, electronics and goods for children.

Galle also has bank branches, a post office, an international cricket stadium, a college, and many administrative government buildings. In the old town, in tourist area, a large number of hotels and guesthouses are presented, many bars and restaurants are located everywhere.

Beach in Galle

There is a beach within the city of Galle, but swimming on it is not recommended for the same reasons as in any other major port city. For these purposes, it is better to go to the neighboring resort town of Unawatuna, located in a neighboring bay just five kilometers from the Fort. The Marine Walk pedestrian zone has been built on the Galle Bay embankment.

Fort Galle: what to see, attractions

In the medieval Fort Galle there are 14 bastions, a clock tower, a lighthouse, etc. The territory of the old city is included in the list World heritage UNESCO.

Bastion of the Sun
(The Sun Bastion)

Bastion of the Sun is located at the northeastern corner of Fort Galle. Historical reports indicate that a bastion was built by the Portuguese in 1620, which they called Sao Iago.

It received its modern name "Bastion of the Sun" from the Dutch in 1667. In 1697, the foundation of the bastion was again modernized and fortified. By 1760, 15 cannons were installed on the Bastion of the Sun.

Bastion of the Moon
(The Moon Bastion)

The lunar bastion was built by the Portuguese and was originally called Consecayo ("concept"), its modern name it received from the Dutch in 1667. Previously, the main entrance to Fort Galle was located between the Lunar and Sun bastions.

From the territory of the Lunar Bastion, there is a stunning view of the cricket stadium, where the Dutch soldiers previously placed 19 cannons.

Star bastion
(Star Bastion)

The Great Star Bastion is located at the edge of the northwest side of the Fort and offers excellent views of the ocean and clock tower. The star bastion was built by the Portuguese and named San Antonio ("Saint Anthony").

When the Fort was just handed over to the Dutch, they named it the Naval Bastion, but the modern version was approved by the official name in 1667. Previously, the Star Bastion was crowned with 6 cannons.

Bastion Sea Breeze
(Aeolus Bastion)

The Sea Breeze Bastion was built by the Dutch to protect the western side of the fortress. It was one of four bastions linking Lunar Bastion with Flagrock.

The Dutch name for the bastion "Aeolus" means "sea breeze"). It is believed that the Sea Breeze Bastion was so named because it was the official seat of the Dutch naval command, and because of the importance of wind to ships.

Bastion Klippenberg
(Clippenberg Bastion)

The Klippenberg Bastion is on the western side of Fort Galle, offering beautiful ocean views, perfect place for watching the sunset.

The name of the Klippenberg bastion is translated as "a city on a rock jutting into the sea" (Clippen is a rock jutting into the sea, berg is a city). During the British period, the bastion was the site of the LLoyd Marine Signal Station.

Bastion Neptune
(Neptune Bastion)

Bastion Neptune is a small picturesque bastion located on the western side of the Fort. The bastion owes its name to the Dutch colonialists.

Subsequently, after the transfer of the Fort from Holland to British rule, the name was retained. During the Second World War, a signal station was located on the territory of the bastion.

Bastion Triton
(The Triton Bastion)

A small bastion Triton is located on the southwestern side of the Fort, once the bastion was crowned with a windmill. The first mention of the bastion dates back to 1790, it is marked on the Reimer's map.

The windmill was designed to pump water that filled small channels with seawater. As a result, the carts passing through the canals with wheels crossed the water, which knocked down dust from them and fell into the territory clean.

Flagrock Bastion and Crowe Island
(The Flagrock Bastion & Crow Island)

The name of the bastion Flagrok translates as "flag rock" (Flag - flag, Rock - rock). The Bastion is located at the southernmost end of the Fort. In 1733, the Dutch flag was first raised on the bastion, and in 1796 - the British one.

In 1848, the first lighthouse on the island of Sri Lanka was built here. The lighthouse was powered by kerosene oil and gas and was destroyed by fire in 1930. Today, Flagrock Bastion is the most popular sunset spot. In the daytime, you can observe how locals jump into the water from the rocks.

Bastion Point Utrecht
(Bastion Point Utrecht)

The eastern part of the Galle fort wall ends with the Point Utrecht bastion, built in 1782. Today, the Galle lighthouse has been erected on this site.

The bastion was named by name hometown the first cleric of the Dutch Reformed Church, who arrived in Halle in 1641. In 1760, 6 cannons were located on the bastion.

Bastion Aurora
(The Aurora Bastion)

The Aurora Bastion is located on the eastern side of the fortress, overlooking the Galle harbor. This bastion was named after the Roman goddess Aurora. It is believed that the bastion is so named because it is from this point of the Galle Fort that the best view of the sunrise opens.

In 1760, 6 cannons were installed on the Aurora bastion. The side walls of the medieval bastion are decorated with many corals.

Bastion Akerslut
(The Akersloot Bastion)

The Akerslut Bastion was named after the hometown of the commander of the Dutch troops V.D. Koster. The Akerslut Bastion is an excellent vantage point for observing Galle Harbor and the bay.

Since the period of British rule, it has been used as the official residence of the harbor master. Earlier, 7 guns were installed here to protect the bay from invading ships.

An ancient breadfruit (Artucarpus incisisus) was found on the territory of the Akerslut bastion, which is considered the first breadfruit planted by the Dutch on the island of Sri Lanka.

Black Bastion
(The Black / Zwart Bastion)

In 1505, a group of Portuguese sailors led by Don Lorenzo de Almeida arrived on the island of Ceylon, where they built the first fortification in the city of Galle on a cliff jutting out into the sea.

The bastion was originally named Santa Cruz in 1505, then it got its modern name Swart Bastion (the word "zwart" in Dutch means "black") or Black Fort in 1520. It was later fortified by the Dutch in 1667.

The Black Bastion was expanded by the Dutch in 1730 to include a tunnel once used as a secret entrance to the Fort.

Bastion Commandment
(The Commandment Bastion)

Bastion Commandment is located on the eastern side of Fort Galle. This bastion is so named due to the fact that it was located near the residence of the command of the Dutch troops.

Bastion Commandment (bastion of command) was first mentioned on the Reimer map in 1790, during the reign of the Dutch colonialists.

Fishmark Bastion
(The Fishmark Bastion)

The Fishmark Bastion is located next to the Sun bastion, it was named so because it offers an overview of the harbor with fishing boats, the inner part of the harbor.

Fishmark Bastion was erected, like many other bastions of the Fort, during the era of Dutch colonization, for the first time on the maps it was indicated on the Reimer map in 1790.

Galle Fort Clock Tower
(Galle Fort Clock Tower)

In the northern part of the fortress walls of Fort Galle there is a large stone clock tower. Previously, there was a guard building in its place.

The clock tower of Fort Galle was erected in 1883, funds for its creation were collected by the inhabitants of the city, the tower was erected in recognition of the merits of the famous doctor P.D. Antonis. The clock for the tower was donated by one of his grateful patients.

Galle lighthouse
(Galle Lighthouse)

The modern 27-meter lighthouse, located at the southern end of the Cape of Galle Fort, was erected in 1939 after the old lighthouse on Flagrock Bastion burned down. The lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks of the Galle Fort.

The bunkers seen today around the Galle Lighthouse were built during World War II. Near the lighthouse there is a bathing place, sheltered from prying eyes, previously intended for the rest of noble ladies, now the townspeople are bathing there.

National Naval Museum
(Galle National Maritime Museum)

The National Museum is located next to the Fishmark Bastion, in the oldest Dutch building in Halle, which dates back to 1686.

The exposition of the museum tells about the process of making lace, fishing objects, traditional masks and religious objects, including a relic box. Also, the museum has an information stand explaining the formation of oceanic tsunamis, a skeleton of Bride's whale is presented.

Miran Jumma Mosque
(Fort Meeran Jumma Masjid)

The Muslim mosque Miran Jumma is located opposite the Galle lighthouse, the age of this mosque is about 300 years, but the exact date of construction is unknown.

The building of the mosque is an unusual structure, combining eclectic architectural features, including Baroque, British Victorian and Islamic architecture.

Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple
(Sri Sudharmalaya Temple)

An unusual Buddhist temple is located on the western side of the Galle Fort. Visually, the architecture of the temple suggests from some elements of its design that the building was previously occupied by a mosque or a church.

The decoration of the temple includes a snow-white stupa, a prayer hall, colorful wall and ceiling paintings and statues, including a statue of the reclining Buddha. The stupa in front of the temple dates back to 1889.

International cricket stadium
(Galle International Cricket Stadium)

The stadium is located in close proximity to Fort Galle, bordering one of the sides with the ocean.

Initially, the territory of the current stadium was a hippodrome, where races were held for the entertainment of British colonists. Then, more than 100 years ago, the site was transformed into a cricket venue.

Since 1998, the Halle International Cricket Stadium has been used to host international matches.

Dutch market
(Dutch Market)

The Dutch market is located outside the Fort, on Main street in the Galle promenade.

The Halle Dutch market is home to a variety of local spice, herbal, fruit and vegetable vendors who are located on the site. The site is covered by a tiled canopy built over 300 years ago in a colonial style.

Galle Sea Fort history

Since its first construction in 1588, the colonial Galle Fort has gone through several eras, which are reflected in the architecture and planning of the city, introduced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Initially, before turning into a serious fortification, from 1541 to 1588 there was a fortress made of palm logs and clay on this place, which bore the name "Santa Cruz" together with the settlement around it. As a result of the military need to protect the city of Galle, in 1588 the Portuguese built a fort, which was a fortress of 3 bastions, surrounded by a wooden palisade. The construction served, in addition to its main goals, as a place of imprisonment for the Sinhalese, who opposed the Portuguese conquerors.

Since 1640, Fort Halle came under the control of the Dutch, having acquired its modern name; during their reign, the defensive structures were significantly strengthened to protect the fortress from the city from external enemies. The second period of active construction of Fort Galle survived in 1663-1688, when 14 bastions and most of the fortress walls were rebuilt and erected. By 1729, the Dutch had built additional fortifications and the now observed sheer walls to protect Halle from the sea, erected the surrounding moats, and created infrastructure and sewerage.

From 1796 it was captured by the British, and belonged to them until 1948, when the country ceased to have the status of a colony. Fort Galle lost its important political position after the British made Colombo the capital of the state in the middle of the 19th century, the ditches were filled up, and some of the internal infrastructure underwent changes. In 1865, part of the Fort was converted into the New Oriental Hotel. In 1938, the famous 18-meter Galle lighthouse was built in the Fort.

In 2004, the city of Galle and the Fort were badly damaged by the tsunami and were badly damaged as a result of the disaster, all coastal structures were flooded, several thousand people died. Evidence of the devastation sown by the terrible tsunami can still be found on the streets of the old city - blackened buildings, with some even preserved signs. Later, restoration work was carried out in the Fort and the historic center of Halle, most of the damaged structures were restored, but the process was not finally completed.

Photo of the old town and Fort Galle

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