Galle
Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka and galle district. The port city has about 94,000 inhabitants. In the city there is still a lot to see of the Dutch rule in the 17th and 18th centuries. At this time, Galle was the most important port city of Sri Lanka. That is why in 1663 the Dutch built a 36-hectare fort, which is now on the World Heritage List. This fort served during the tsunami of December 26, 2004; It has protected much of the city by significantly slowing down the Gulf.
The Dutch Reformed “Groote Kerk”, originally built in 1640 and rebuilt around 1755, has a floor containing various tombstones from the old Dutch cemeteries. Unlike Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the sights here are part of current life.
Galle was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese. After the capture by the Dutch, the city was fortified with walls and fourteen bastions. Galle reached the peak of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. It shows the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The northern fortified gate, protected by a drawbridge and a moat, dates from 1669.
As a former colony of the Dutch of the VOC, it is not surprising that you will encounter memories of this period throughout Sri Lanka. The absolute memory of the Dutch era can be found in the town of Galle. The historic city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A walk through Galle is therefore one of the highlights of your trip.
As a former colony of the Dutch of the VOC, it is not surprising that you will encounter memories of this period throughout Sri Lanka. The absolute memory of the Dutch era can be found in the town of Galle. The historic city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A walk through Galle is therefore one of the highlights of your trip.