Galle Fort

The icon of our southern coastline

The world has flocked to the port of Galle for centuries. As it grew into a significant trading post on the ancient spice route, colonial powers invaded and made the port their own. The Portuguese were the first to build a fort here, but it was the Dutch who fortified it into the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands before you today. The cobblestone streets are still lined with bygone architecture, which now house a variety of boutiques and restaurants within the magnificent ramparts that dignify the Galle Fort. No visit here is complete without a walk along them – right around from the Lighthouse to the Clock Tower.