Galle

The most beautiful colonial fort in Asia. Still a living city inside its walls.

Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588 and expanded by the Dutch in 1663. The best-preserved colonial sea fort in Asia --- a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing, inside its 36 hectares of ramparts, a living community of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, residences, and a functioning lighthouse.

Experiences at this stop

• Rampart walk at dusk

The full perimeter walk takes 45 minutes. The western rampart facing the open ocean should be saved for dusk. The stone turns gold, the Indian Ocean reflects the sky, and the lighthouse clicks on.

• Dutch Reformed Church and fort interior walk

The 1755 Dutch Reformed Church with its original black and white marble floor tiles. The streets retain the original Dutch grid and carry the original Dutch names.

• Fort market and craft shopping

Handloom textiles, lacework, batik, Ceylon sapphires, and the work of contemporary Sri Lankan designers in spaces occupied by craftspeople since the 17th century.