Galle Fort

Galle Fort, begun in 1588 by the Portuguese and transformed into a fortified town by the Dutch in the 17th century, is famed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unique cultural importance. Its proliferation of old-world architectural gems and maze of small streets and alleys imbues this historical colonial-era monument with an irresistible charm that captivates its many visitors. Once the guardian of Sri Lanka’s major southern trading center, Galle Fort is now one of its major tourist attractions, replete with characterful shops, boutiques, hotels and restaurants. A must-visit on anyone’s tour of the south-coast resorts.