Sri Lanka is a country that has been a European colony for many years, so we encounter English, Dutch and Portuguese influence, especially at the Fort of Galle.
Fort of Galle, European influence
Galle
The city of Galle is located in southwestern Sri Lanka, about 120 km from the capital, Colombo.
In 1988 it was declared a world heritage site.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused considerable damage to the city.
History
Port among the most important in the East, where the trade in spices, jewelry and animals flourished.
In addition to becoming the largest fortress in Europe built in Asia.
In the Bible reference is made to the city port, Galle, called Tharsis, where King Solomon was looking for peacocks and ivory.
The city had different names, such as Cale or Qali, due to the arrival of different cultures.
Galle was called by the Portuguese listening to a cock crow.
In the 16th century it was the most important port on the island and, especially in the 18th century, it was its best moment. Subsequently, with the arrival of the British, the development of Colombo was favored as a main port.
Entering the fort …
The fort of Galle was built by the Dutch to protect the city.
Inside you can see houses with one or two floors and buildings of different architectural influences.
From the walls …
The lighthouse, built in the same place as the old lighthouse, destroyed by fire in 1934.
Flag rock, was part of the Portuguese fortification located in the far south.
It is currently one of the most visited places to watch the sunset.
The Old Gate through which you can access the Old City of Galle, you can also see a shield with two lions and a rooster belonging to the year 1669.
The National Museum of Galle, located in the fortification, especially in the oldest Dutch building, since 1656.
You can visit the collection of the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods, as well as the crafts of the area.
The Meeran Mosque, very characteristic because it combines architectural details of the Baroque, British-Victorian and Arabic.
The Sudharmalaya Temple is a Buddhist temple where you can see a reclining Buddha and a white dagoba from the year 1889.
The Dutch hospital, now the center of excellent shops and restaurants and tea rooms, but previously used as a hospital, its size is due to the number of patients who were hospitalized, due to the climate and the diseases suffered by the Dutch.
Inside the fort …
The Dutch Reformed Church, originally built in 1640 and the current building dates back to 1752. They highlight the organ and the wooden pulpit.
The clock tower, located at the highest point of the city and built in 1709. It is an acknowledgment for a doctor who worked in the city.
The villa on Leyn Baan Street, with a private collection of objects from different eras and a beautiful internal courtyard.
A breath …
One of the panoramas that we can observe if we walk along the walls is the Bay of Galle, there is also a small beach where you can swim.
You can also walk and enter the shops, where they sell precious stones, antiques and tea.
Sri Lanka is indeed the perfect place for children and for people who like animals and nature.
This country is incredibly green.
It is impossible not to find elephant herds on safari or even on the same road traveling.
It is also very easy to see leopards, macaques and other types of monkeys, giant squirrels, jackals, etc. etc
Furthermore, walking with children and adults through the Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a delight. Along with the giant trees and millions of plants, we will also find monkeys and other animals in this immense place.
