Galle Fort

Galle  is a city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. On a peninsula to the south of the city overlooking the harbor of Galle Bay is a remarkable structure which owes its origins to the 16th century Portuguese colonists but is largely in the form left by the, later, Dutch occupiers in the 18th century. The outer ramparts form a magnificent defensive structure and yet the streets and squares in the interior is a time capsule which retains much of the history of both the Dutch occupation, the later occupation by the British and the post colonial period. Many Dutch people still own properties within the fort.

The Breadfruit tree was introduced to the island by the Dutch and within the fort there is, reputedly the oldest breadfruit tree in Sri Lanka. Also of note is the old Dutch Hospital (used by the British as the admin HQ for the fort), now repurposed as a shopping centre ,  and the 18th century Dutch Reformed Church. This church sits alongside Anglican, Catholic , Bhudist, Moslem and Hindu places of worship all confined in the interior of the defensive ramparts. The defences are strongest on the northern, landward, side but are still very impressive  on the sea-facing sides. One important historical feature is the sewer system which was designed to be flooded twice a day by seawater in response  to the tides.

The fort has been greatly repaired since it was extensively damaged by the 2004 Tsunami. The site is a UNESCO world heritage site.