By Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes News
The Historical Significance
The Galle Fort constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage Site of inestimable historical importance as a walled city that originated in pre Christian and Roman times. It was founded during the medieval period as the key southern port of Ceylon and, as such, developed into a multi ethnic, cosmopolitan marketplace for traders from China, India, Indonesia, Persia, Rome, and Arabia. Construction by the Portuguese of the fort began in 1505 with the building of the Black Fort. Later, the Dutch, in 1667, expanded it into an impregnable fortress: the whole peninsula was surrounded with 14 coral and granite bastions. Galle Fort is famous for its colonial architecture and gridlike road pattern. The fort is considered one of the best examples of a European fortified settlement in Asia.
Colonial Architecture and Unique Landmarks
The Galle Fort reflects a blend of the Dutch and South Asian architectural styles with its narrow lanes, historic buildings, and major sights. This includes the Galle Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, built in 1848, and the Groote Kerk or the Dutch Reformed Church, which dates back to 1755 and is known for its baroque facade along with a Latin cross layout. The fort also boasts of All Saints' Church, a specimen of English ecclesiastical architecture. Besides, mosques, churches, and Buddhist temples represent the coexistence of different cultures and religions in Galle Fort.
Exploring Galle Fort Today
Today, Galle Fort is the busiest destination, where history meets culture and beauty. Tourists stroll through stone paved streets lined with colonial era architecture, while most take in views across from the ramparts, usually at sunset. Museums like the National Museum of Galle and the Maritime Museum showcase some of the colonial past in artifacts, ancient pottery, and shipwreck remains. The Fort also is a nucleus of various shops, cafes, and boutique hotels where one can stroll around to know about the craft, food, and heritage of the locals.
A Living Heritage Site
The fort was made a living heritage due to the people's contribution and diligence has kept the Archaeological department of Sri Lanka almost perpetually engaged in restoration work. It has propelled the Fort as a centre of artistic creativity with numerous writers, artists and indeed tourists being attracted to the area. The Galle Literary Festival, which is held annually, and other numerous art galleries contribute further to the cultural wealth of the area. The transformation of the Fort from a colonial trading post into a modern hub of culture and tourism is exemplary in the manner in which historical sites can evolve to protect their legacies. Today, Galle Fort is testimony to the multicultural history of Sri Lanka, a unique blend of past and present that it offers to the residents and visitors.
A Dream Place to live
