Galle Fort

Galle Fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. During this time the fort became Sri Lanka’s main port and centre of trade and commerce among the Persians, Arabians, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians. The Galle Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world and is on the UNESCO list of world monuments. In fact today, much of what visitors see of the Galle Fort is a reflection of the way Galle Fort was during the time of the Dutch. When the British took over Galle for the Dutch in the 18th century they did little to alter or eradicate any of the Dutch structures or influences.