Galle Fort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is the unmissable destination of the region. It is easily and best explored on foot. Here’s how.
Built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch, modified by the British and restored by the Sri Lankans after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort marks out Galle as Sri Lanka’s most intriguing city.
The 36-hectare Galle Fort occupies a promontory surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. It was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards. When the British arrived at the end of the 18th century, they applied their own touch with the odd lighthouse here and a coat of arms there.
Even after more than 400 years, Galle Fort and its old town maintains a polished appearance. Today, the old town still bustles with boutique shops, cafes, galleries and hotels as well as a working courtroom.
It would be easy to spend several days wandering the old walls and streets at random, stumbling across one architectural surprise after another. However, if you are not into totally exploring every parts of Galle then for a dose of culture, the previously mentioned UNESCO listed Galle Fort is a landmark that is not to be missed whilst in the area and is often seen as the main attraction of the town. The Reformed Dutch Protestant Church is worth a visit solely for its extraordinary interior and dates back to 1755, a great spot for a history lesson on the islands European influences.
If you are a true foodie, then Galle might be your haven. Seafood is a delicacy here, for obvious reasons. Be sure to try the fresh catches of the day, and the grilled Calamari and seared Yellowfin Tuna is sure to do your taste buds some good. On Sundays, the Galle Fort Market takes place that involves many food stalls and pop-up cafes offering little delights to snack on whilst you wonder listening to the live music and gaining an insight into local life.
But if you totally into exploring every parts of Galle then use our tried and tested DIY walking tour below you’ll see a solid cross-section of Galle Fort and its old town in a morning without missing a major site.
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Galle Fort Clock Tower
Enter Galle Fort through the Clock Tower. Impressively, the tower was constructed in 1883 and still reads the correct time! Do your best to ignore the rickshaw drivers offering overpriced and unnecessary tours.
Main Gate
Turn left and follow the inside of the wall towards the British-built main gate and then continue onwards to Sun Bastion.
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Sun Bastion
Sun Bastion was initially built by the Portuguese in 1620 and named Sao Iago before being renamed Zon (Sun) Bastion by the Dutch in 1667. It offers the best views across the harbour.
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Dutch Reformed Church
Cut inwards onto Church Street and follow the street to the Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) which was initially built in 1640. The current structure is about a century newer (constructed between 1752-55), but is still one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka.
Dutch Belfry
Slightly further down on the opposite side of Church Street at the corner of Queens Street is the Dutch Belfry or bell tower, built in 1701. Behind it is the Marine Archaeological Museum which is arguably more interesting and interactive than the more established Maritime Museum below.
All Saints’ Church
Across the junction from the belfry is the impressive All Saints’ Anglican Church, built from 1868-71. You would be forgiven for thinking you’re in a country village in middle England for a moment!
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum on Queens Street is located in a Dutch warehouse constructed in 1671. The small museum is worth a quick look, particularly as it houses a huge skeleton of a Bryde’s whale. There is also an interesting display on tsunamis.
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Old Gate
Just a bit further down Queens Street is the Old Gate with a beautifully carved British coat of arms located on the outer side. On the inside of the gate are the initials VOC which stand for Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company) dating from 1669.
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Zwart Bastion (Black Bastion)
Follow Queens Street out to the outer fort walls on the seafront and turn left to Zwart Bastion. Built by the Portuguese circa 1580, it is believed to be so named because the area was constantly covered by dark smoke emanating from the fires of the nearby smithies.
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Court Square
From now on, follow the fort walls keeping the ocean to your left. As you walk along Hospital Street you’ll pass Court Square and the huge banyan trees. The courts are still active so don’t be surprised to see people milling about nervously awaiting their call.
Dutch Hospital
Continue south along Hospital Street where the colonnaded colonial Dutch Hospital stands. Built in the 18th century the hospital would treat the many Europeans who had been taken ill on the long voyage from Europe to the tropics. Today, there are several cafes and shops occupying the colonnades.
Lighthouse Beach
If the heat of the day is starting to get to you, consider a brief dip with the locals at Galle’s best beach.
Lighthouse
At the southeastern corner of the fort is the British-built 18-metre high lighthouse. Built in 1938, the lighthouse is still in use today.
Meeran Jumma Masjid Mosque
Keep following the fort walls along Rampart Street where Meeran Jumma Masjid Mosque is located on the right of the street. Galle is home to a vibrant Muslim community who gather here en masse for Friday prayers. Consider popping to Mama’s Galle Fort restaurant for a tasty plate of rice and curry for lunch.
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15. Flag Rock Bastion
At the southernmost end of the fort is Flag Rock Bastion where you can see the submerged rocks which have claimed scores of ships over the centuries. It is also the best place to watch the sunset and observe fearless locals leaping from the rocks into the choppy waters.
Star Bastion
In the northwestern corner of Galle Fort is Star Bastion where the fortifications were used as slave quarters and a prison. There are still some canons in place along here.
Moon Bastion
Follow the wall back towards the east where Moon Bastion offers great views of the international cricket stadium to the north as well as across modern Galle.
Finish your tour here above the Galle Fort Clock Tower.
