Must-see attractions in Galle

  • Old fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

    Flag Rock

    Galle

    Flag Rock, at the southernmost end of the Fort, was once a Portuguese bastion. Today it is easily the most popular place to catch a sunset. During…

  • Dutch Reformed Church in the Fort Galle.

    Dutch Reformed Church

    Galle

    Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features…

  • Tuk tuk drives through the entrance of the old Dutch gate with British Coat of Arms above.

    Old Gate

    Galle

    A beautifully carved British coat of arms tops the entrance to the Old Gate on the outer side. Inside, the letters VOC, standing for Verenigde…

  • The old fishing sailboat in the maritime museum in Galle, Sri Lanka.

    Marine Archeological Museum

    Galle

    This spacious maritime museum occupies a colossal old spice warehouse built by the Dutch and dating back to the late 17th century. The structure was…

  • Meeran Mosque

    Galle

    Facing the lighthouse, this beautifully maintained whitewashed building is a highly unusual construction combining eclectic architectural features that…

  • Sudharmalaya Temple

    Galle

    Gazing over the lawns on the western side of Galle, this small whitewashed temple complex includes a prayer hall (the unusual design of which, including a…

  • Dutch Hospital

    Galle

    Now fully restored and home to myriad upmarket boutiques and restaurants, this vast, colonnaded colonial landmark dates from the 18th century. Its size…

  • Amangalla

    Galle

    The Amangalla was built in 1684 to house the Dutch governor and officers. Later, as the New Oriental Hotel, it was the lodging of choice for 1st-class P&O…

  • Historical Mansion

    Galle

    More of an antique store than a museum, this Fort townhouse (which dates back to the Dutch days) contains the private collection of a long-time local…

  • Main Gate

    Galle

    The Main Gate in the northern stretch of the wall is a comparatively recent addition – it was built by the British in 1873 to handle the heavier flow of…

  • Galle International Cricket Stadium

    Galle

    Once a racecourse for wagering British colonials, Galle's cricket ground was established over 100 years ago. Since 1998 it has been used for international…

  • Sun Bastion

    Galle

    Occupying the northeast corner of the ramparts, with magnificent vistas over Galle harbour and cricket ground, this large fortification was first…

  • National Maritime Museum

    Galle

    Nestled in the old walls, this small museum is worth a quick look for its skeleton of a Bryde's whale and a very useful model that explains how tsunamis…

  • National Museum

    Galle

    This museum is housed in what's thought to be the oldest Dutch building in Galle, dating back to 1686. Displays are somewhat dusty and dated but include…

  • Point Utrecht Bastion

    Galle

    The eastern section of Galle's wall ends at the Point Utrecht Bastion, close to the powder magazine, which bears a Dutch inscription from 1782. Today this…

  • Zwart Bastion

    Galle

    Guarding Galle harbour, this bastion was enlarged by the Dutch in 1730 and contains a tunnel (which has not been excavated), possibly once used as a…

  • All Saints Anglican Church

    Galle

    A handsome Victorian Gothic structure dating from the mid-19th century. It boasts impressive stained-glass windows, beautifully carved timber arches and…

  • Lighthouse

    Galle

    Guarding against the rocks at the southern end of the Galle promontory, this elegant 27m working lighthouse dates from 1939, though there's been a…

  • Dutch Market

    Galle

    Look for the Dutch Market with its displays of fruits and vegetables under a 300-year-old columned roof. It's located on busy Main St, close to other food…

  • Star Bastion

    Galle

    Large bastion located in the extreme northwest of Fort's walls, with sweeping views of the ocean and nearby clock tower. It was once topped with six…

  • Moon Bastion

    Galle

    There are terrific views over the Galle cricket stadium from this huge bastion, where Dutch soldiers once manned around 19 cannons.

  • Clock Tower

    Galle

    Just inside the northern ramparts of the Fort, this large stone bell tower dates from 1883.

  • Lighthouse Beach

    Galle

    A slim swathe of sand right on the east side of the Fort. However it's not that great for a dip as there are rocks offshore and the beach is often…

  • Dutch Governor's House

    Galle

    A striking building that dates from 1683, over its doorway is a cockerel and the crest of Galle. It's not open to the public.

  • Triton Bastion

    Galle

    Small southwestern bastion, which was once topped with a windmill (used to draw water to clean Galle's streets).

  • Muslim Saint's Tomb

    Galle

    Small tomb, dedicated to Dathini Ziryam, which is located outside the northwest section of the Fort walls.

  • Aurora Bastion

    Galle

    East-facing bastion, with fine views of Galle harbour. Look out for blocks of coral in its walls.

  • Court Square

    Galle

    This leafy, shady square is still a hub of legal activity and has several lawyers' chambers.

  • Bell Tower

    Galle

    A small whitewashed bell tower supported by four slim pillars.

  • Neptune Bastion

    Galle

    A minor bastion located on the western ramparts of the Fort.

  • Aeolus Bastion

    Galle

    A west-facing, low-walled rampart and popular sunset spot.

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