15/05/2025
Galle Dutch Fort 🌊🍂 Sri Lanka
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka's southern coast, offers a captivating blend of colonial charm, cultural richness, and coastal serenity. Its streets, laid out in a rectangular grid pattern, are lined with low houses featuring gables and verandahs in the Dutch colonial style. Many buildings date back to the Dutch era, and the street names reflect this heritage, with names like Pedlar Street (Moorse Kramerstraat), Lighthouse Street (Zeeburgstraat), and Church Street.
Walking through Galle Fort, you'll encounter a variety of historic landmarks. The Groote Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church), built in 1640 and remodeled between 1752 and 1755, features grave stones from the old Dutch cemetery and a pulpit made of calamander wood from Malaysia. The Old Dutch Hospital, one of the oldest buildings in the area, has been transformed into a shopping and dining precinct, preserving its 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture.
The streets themselves are a testament to the fort's rich history. Leyn Baan Street, or 'Leyenbahnstraat', was once the Old Rope-Walk Street where coir rope was made. Parawa Street is named after the Parawa migrants from South India who were fishermen and traders. Chando Street reflects the presence of toddy tappers and Dutch Burghers who owned coconut gardens and small distilleries.
Modern establishments like the Fort Bazaar hotel seamlessly blend into this historical setting. Housed in a former merchant's house, the boutique hotel retains original features such as a sunken courtyard and arches, while offering contemporary amenities. Its restaurant, Church Street Social, serves a creative menu featuring Sri Lankan and Southeast Asian cuisine, and the hotel offers complimentary morning heritage walks led by a local archaeologist.
Exploring Galle Fort's streets is like stepping back in time, with each corner revealing stories of its colonial past and vibrant present.
Make your sri lankan trip more safe and enjoyable with Sri Lanka tours and holidays 😍
