Galle Fort, located on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, it stands as a testament to the island’s colonial past.

It is situated in 113 kilometers away from Colombo. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the “Ramparts of Galle”, is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Galle lighthouse, Galle clock tower, Groote Kerk – Galle, All Saints’ Church – Galle, National Museum in Galle, Old Dutch Hospital, National Maritime Museum Galle are main archaeological and architectural heritage monuments in Galle fort. The fort has a colorful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria IV, for its unique exposition of “an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.”