The city of Galle plays an important role in Sri Lankan history, specially when considering about the international relationships during the historical times. Many foreign vendors such as Arabs, Chinese and Greeks visited this place for trading. Even the this city was marked in the "Ptolemy's" world map done on 125-150 AD.
Dieu et mon droit" , the motto of the British Monarch @ the entrance of the Galle Fort
Nowadays Galle city is famous allover the world due to Gall Dutch Fort statued facing the Indian ocean. This is one of the UNESCO heritage site.
Main Entrance of the Galle Fort
Although the Galle fort is famous as a Dutch fort, the construction of the fort was started by Portuguese. Actually Galle was considered as the place where Portuguese first arrived to Sri Lanka in 1505. The famous Portuguese invader "Lorenzo de Almeida" was able to make a close connection with the Sri Lankan king Dharmaparakramabahu and got his blessing to built a camp, which was done to ensure the safety of Sri Lanka. But ultimately this place became a prison for the local Sinhalese community who were against the cruel Portuguese rulers.
Other Entrance of the Galle Fort
Later years Portuguese moved their main administration center to the Colombo. According to the historical recodes they were forced to return back to Galle due the attacks to the Colombo Fort from king Seethawaka Raja Singhe, one of the greatest king in recent Sri Lankan history.
View of the Indian Orcean over the Galle Fort Walls
In 1640, Srilankan king Rajasinghe (ii) was able to capture the Galle fort with the assistance
of Dutch. But ultimately Dutch became a enemy of the Sinhalese and took the control
of this place and continue the fort building. They added may administrative and military
features and facilities to this fort.
The British army took over the Galle Dutch Fort on 23 February 1796
View of the Indian Orcean over the Galle Fort Walls
There are two main entrances to the Galle Dutch fort. If you are coming from the Galle harbor side,
you will see the two symbols on top of the main gate in both outer and inner walls. The out side wall
logo contain the wording "Dieu et mon droit" , the motto of the British Monarch in England.
The inside wall contains the dutch VOC symbol, which symbolized
the Dutch East India Company
The other main entrance is located in front of the Galle Cricket Ground and now mostly used by the public.
Galle Fort Temple
Galle Fort Temple
Galle Fort Temple
Rampart Hotel
Rampart Hotel, Galle Fort
Galle Fort Mosque
Galle Fort Mosque
Galle Fort Light House
Galle Fort Light House
Old Dutch Hostal, Galle Fort
Old Dutch Hostal (right side)
Police Barracks, Galle Fort
Police Barracks
Court Complex, Galle Fort
Court Complex, Galle Fort
Maritime Museum and Meritime Archaeological Museum , Galle Fort
Galle Fort Maritime Museum Entrance
Galle Fort Maritime Archaeological Museum Entrance
Galle Fort Maritime Archaeological Museum Lobby
Galle Fort Library
Galle Fort Library
Anglican Church, Galle Fort
Anglican Church, Galle Fort
Anglican Church, Galle Fort
Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Fort
Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Fort
Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Fort
Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Fort
