Galle
Flag Rock, at the southernmost end of the Fort, was once a Portuguese bastion. Today it is easily the most popular place to catch a sunset. During…
Must-see attractions in Galle
Galle
Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features…
Galle
A beautifully carved British coat of arms tops the entrance to the Old Gate on the outer side. Inside, the letters VOC, standing for Verenigde…
Galle
This spacious maritime museum occupies a colossal old spice warehouse built by the Dutch and dating back to the late 17th century. The structure was…
Galle
The Amangalla was built in 1684 to house the Dutch governor and officers. Later, as the New Oriental Hotel, it was the lodging of choice for 1st-class P&O…
Galle
More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse (which dates back to the Dutch days) contains the private collection of a long-time local…
Galle
Facing the lighthouse, this beautifully maintained whitewashed building is a highly unusual construction combining eclectic architectural features that…
Galle
The Main Gate in the northern stretch of the wall is a comparatively recent addition – it was built by the British in 1873 to handle the heavier flow of…
Galle
Gazing over the lawns on the western side of Galle, this small whitewashed temple complex includes a prayer hall (the unusual design of which, including a…
Galle
Now fully restored and home to myriad upmarket boutiques and restaurants, this vast, colonnaded colonial landmark dates from the 18th century. Its size…
Galle International Cricket Stadium
Galle
Once a racecourse for wagering British colonials, Galle's cricket ground was established over 100 years ago. Since 1998 it has been used for international…
Galle
Occupying the northeast corner of the ramparts, with magnificent vistas over Galle harbour and cricket ground, this large fortification was first…
Galle
Nestled in the old walls, this small museum is worth a quick look for its skeleton of a Bryde's whale and a very useful model that explains how tsunamis…
Galle
This museum is housed in what's thought to be the oldest Dutch building in Galle, dating back to 1686. Displays are somewhat dusty and dated but include…
Galle
The eastern section of Galle's wall ends at the Point Utrecht Bastion, close to the powder magazine, which bears a Dutch inscription from 1782. Today this…
Galle
Guarding Galle harbour, this bastion was enlarged by the Dutch in 1730 and contains a tunnel (which has not been excavated), possibly once used as a…
Galle
A handsome Victorian Gothic structure dating from the mid-19th century. It boasts impressive stained-glass windows, beautifully carved timber arches and…
Galle
Guarding against the rocks at the southern end of the Galle promontory, this elegant 27m working lighthouse dates from 1939, though there's been a…
Galle
Look for the Dutch Market with its displays of fruits and vegetables under a 300-year-old columned roof. It's located on busy Main St, close to other food…
Galle
Large bastion located in the extreme northwest of Fort's walls, with sweeping views of the ocean and nearby clock tower. It was once topped with six…
Galle
A slim swathe of sand right on the east side of the Fort. However it's not that great for a dip as there are rocks offshore and the beach is often…
Galle
There are terrific views over the Galle cricket stadium from this huge bastion, where Dutch soldiers once manned around 19 cannons.
Galle
A striking building that dates from 1683, over its doorway is a cockerel and the crest of Galle. It's not open to the public.
Galle
Small southwestern bastion, which was once topped with a windmill (used to draw water to clean Galle's streets).
Galle
Small tomb, dedicated to Dathini Ziryam, which is located outside the northwest section of the Fort walls.
Galle
East-facing bastion, with fine views of Galle harbour. Look out for blocks of coral in its walls.
Galle
This leafy, shady square is still a hub of legal activity and has several lawyers' chambers.
Galle
Just inside the northern ramparts of the Fort, this large stone bell tower dates from 1883.
