GalleFort
Galle Fort is a ancient stone fort built to protect the coastal city of Galle, in the southern province of Sri Lanka. The fort was built hundreds of years ago and the walls are made of stone and brick. You can pass your time walking along the old battlement walls, every corner give a unique and interesting experience.
The present lighthouse is made of stone, some of the stonework was shipped from England and Scotland to make the structure.
The Galle Lighthouse, also known as Pointe de Galle Light, is an onshore lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka and is operated by Sri Lanka Ports Authority. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station.
Philippus Baldaeus, a Dutch minister detailed Galle Harbour stated in the 1950s, that there was an iron cannon placed on the ramparts and a lantern to guide the sailors on top of the 28 feet above sea level rock which jutted out into the sea.
The first lighthouse at Galle was built by the British in 1848. It was a 24.4 m-high (80 ft) iron lighthouse, onstructed from cast-iron plates, imported from England, designed by British architect Alexander Gordon and erected by Messrs. Robinson, Engineers of Pimlico.
The lighthouse, painted white, was located on the southwest bastion (the Utrecht Bastion) of Galle Fort on the western side of Galle Harbor. It had a fixed point light with prolate reflectors, which was visible for 19 km (12 mi). In July 1936 it was destroyed by fire.
The current 26.5 m-high (87 ft) concrete lighthouse was erected by the British about 100 m (330 ft) from the original site in 1939.
The light was originally fitted with a glass prism lens floating in a bath of mercury (to reduce friction) and was powered by a weight driven machine, which is still in the lighthouse, but has been replaced by a modern LED light.
The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well known tourist attraction.
The lighthouse is strategically located at the southern end of the promontory, built approximately 6 m (20 ft) above the road level on the ramparts, at what is known as the Point Utrecht Bastion, giving it full view of any ships entering Galle Harbour.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered to be one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort was later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.
The fort encompasses the old town of Galle, and contains a number of historical buildings, including churches, museums, and colonial-style homes.
It is now a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich history, and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.
Galle Fort has several attractions, including:
- Dutch Reformed Church
- Amangalla Spa & Restaurant
- National Maritime Museum
- All Saints Anglican Church
- The lighthouse
- The ramparts
- The Gatehouse
- Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
- Historical Mansions & Houses
- Spice & Herb Garden.
Here are some of the popular foods to eat in Galle Fort:
- Kottu Roti – a popular street food dish made with chopped roti and vegetables, spiced up with a variety of seasonings and sauces.
- Curry – a variety of curries made with chicken, fish or vegetables are popular in Galle Fort.
- Rice and Curry – the staple dish of Sri Lanka, made with steamed rice and a variety of curries.
- Fish Roast – grilled or fried fish served with rice or roti.
- Hoppers – a popular breakfast food made with fermented rice flour, shaped into a bowl and fried until crispy.
- String Hoppers – steamed rice noodles served with curry or other condiments.
- Lamprais – a traditional Sri Lankan dish made with rice, curry, and other accompaniments wrapped in a banana leaf.
- Cuttlefish Fry – deep-fried cuttlefish seasoned with spices and served with rice or roti.
- Seafood – Galle Fort is famous for its seafood, and there are many restaurants that serve a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, crab curry, and prawn fried rice.
Here are some popular restaurants in Galle Fort that people recommend:
- The Fort Bazaar – offers traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and European dishes in a colonial-style setting.
- The Green Cabin – known for its organic food and vegetarian options.
- Dutch Hospital Restaurant – serves international cuisine in a charming colonial building.
- Cafe Red – serves a mix of Asian and Western dishes in a trendy atmosphere.
- Pedlar’s Inn – offers a variety of food, including pizza, pasta, and seafood, in a relaxed setting.
- Ambrosia – serves Asian and Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic candlelit setting.
- The Slowboat Café – offers a menu of fresh, healthy and tasty food with a Mediterranean twist.
- Vinum Cafe & Wine Bar – serves contemporary cuisine with a focus on wine pairings.
- These are just a few of the options available in Galle Fort, and the area has plenty of other restaurants and cafes to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
