Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fort is a unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Within its thick rampart walls lies a vibrant township — with colonial-era streets, Dutch Reformed churches, mosques, temples, and boutique hotels all coexisting.
Walking the ramparts at sunset, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the rooftops of the old town on the other, remains one of the most memorable experiences Sri Lanka has to offer.
