Galle Fort

Fort Galle, Southern, Sri Lanka

What to expect

The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument located in Galle, Sri Lanka. It was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese and reached its peak development in the 18th century under Dutch colonial rule. The fort is a representation of a fortified city built by Europeans in South Asia, showcasing the interaction between European planning principles and South Asian architectural traditions. The street grid follows the typical Dutch tradition, with rows of houses featuring narrow sides facing the streets and verandas shaded by high overhanging roofs supported on slender columns. The fort has a colorful history, with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, and its heritage value has been recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site. The fort walls, bastions, and public buildings reflect colonial architectural characteristics, while also incorporating South Asian elements, creating a unique character. The site has been restored after being damaged by the Boxing Day tsunami and is now a popular tourist destination

Plan your family visit to the Galle Fort with these blog insights 👇

Visiting the south of Sri Lanka, from beach to safari, what to do?

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the historical fort and enjoyed the charming shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. We also had a great time interacting with local students and families

Highlights: We loved the unique atmosphere and the chance to step back in time. It was a peaceful break from the bustling coastline, and we enjoyed the local culture and friendly people ✨

Here's How To Explore Gorgeous Sri Lanka With Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the fort in the evening and enjoyed the ocean views from the lighthouse, toured the museum and churches and watched a beautiful sunset

Highlights: We enjoyed the beautifully preserved Dutch architecture ✨

The Perfect Family Highlights Tour of Sri Lanka

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the ancient Galle Fort and the city wall, one of the countries popular highlights

Highlights: The city is only 1km square so manageable for little legs, but you’ll likely want to break it up with some stops including plentiful museums, churches and Afternoon Tea at the Galle Fort Hotel ✨