Galle Fort

Admire the remnants from the past

As you drive into Galle Fort, the bricked walls of the fort welcome you to discover the treasures that lie within. Enter through the old gates and stand in awe as you admire the beautiful structures of the Galle lighthouse and clock tower located on the ramparts. Within the fort’s historic walls, discover the treasured attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the Groote Kerk to the National Maritime Museum. Admire the colonial-styled buildings or expand your view to the horizon where sea meets sky in a seamless embrace.

Nearest City

Galle

Key Highlight

Galle Lighthouse & Clocktower

Distance from Galle

3.7km

A Look into the Galle Fort

The Galle Fort was initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to monopolise the trade of the city. The Dutch expanded the fort, complete with bastions, barracks, churches during the 17th century, until the British took over.
Visit the National Maritime Museum, Lighthouse, Clocktower, Galle Heritage Museum and the Galle Library.
The Galle Fort is also known for its multicultural society that thrives within it, as you’ll find a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a few churches too.
Taru Villas - Rampart Street is located within the fort, in proximity to the fort's historic attractions.

Other Attractions

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Japanese Peace Pagoda

A place of worship and peace.

Jungle Beach

Weave through a jungle to find this secret beach.

Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya

An ancient place of worship with intriguing art.

Rumassala Hill

Steeped in legend and rustic grandeur.

Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery

Dedicated to preserving the marine ecosystem.

Located just a few kilometres from the Galle Fort, the Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery is a conservation project that is aimed at preserving Sri Lanka’s rare and exotic species of turtles.

Unawatuna Beach

A pristine stretch of golden sands

Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum

The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum is an expansive house and garden that once belonged to Sri Lanka’s greatest folk author.