The Galle Dutch Fort is a rare historical jewel protected by dark, thick stone walls– with the endless ocean on one side. The roads inside the Galle Fort haven’t changed a lot. Straight and narrow lanes intersect and invite the visitor to a pleasant walk into the 17th century. When walking, you can imagine the then familiar sellers who traded in cinnamon, lace, elephants, tortoise and turtle shell ornaments besides the famous sweets like bondi aluwa hanging in garlands from the shoulders of the sellers.

Most of the older buildings in the fort date from the Dutch age. Many of the streets still have their Dutch names or are their direct translations (e.g., Lighthouse Street was Zeeburgstraat and Middelpuntstraat, and Church Street was Kerkstraat).

Ancient monuments within this historical complex included the lighthouse, the clock tower, the first Dutch Reformed and Anglican churches, the Meera Mosque, the Buddhist Temple, the Commander’s Residence, and the Dutch Reformed Church.

The military architecture of the fort is European in design. The unique Galle Fort is still the best preserved fortified city in South Asia.