The earliest historical records of Galle trace back to Ptolemy’s World Map in the 2nd century A.D.
Galle, which is situated in southern tip and administrative capital of southern province in Sri Lanka 119 kilo metres away from Colombo. It is a best example of fortified city which was built by Europeans in south and south East Asia. The main attraction is the 17th century Dutch Fortress and constructions and it’s a UNESCO protected World Heritage site in southern part of Sri Lanka. Galle was a most prominent ancient international trade center and sea port known to all over the world. The location of natural harbor gained importance for international trade with silk route.
The earliest historical records of Galle trace back to Ptolemy’s World Map in the 2nd century A.D. Dutch built Galle as one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to depict the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. Galle is also mentioned in records of the 6th century traveller Cosmas Indicopleustes as a port in his visit to Sri Lanka. Another historical Arabian traveler, Ibn Batuta who lived in the 14th century also mentions Galle is a main port of Ceylon. In 1860 A.D Sir Emerson Tennant wrote Galle was an ancient and important port.
Galle was the place where the Portugese made their initial landing in Sri Lanka 1505 A.D. They used a special alliance with the king of that time and made noticable changes in Galle area. That was an initial step for fort construction and also the construction of a Franciscan chapel in 1541. The initial fort called ‘Santa Cruz’ was constructed by using mud and palm trees. Later it expanded with a fortalice, watchtower and three bastions.
Dutch conquered Galle fort in 13th March 1640 A.D.. The most prominent period of Galle fort is Dutch period. VOC was the chief organization of administrative matters done in Galle. Dutch fortified the Galle fort against their enemies and built 14 bastions. Galle was handed over to British on 23rd February 1796 and they called it “Point de Galle”
The Fort of Galle is a historical location that has seen many communities and ethnicities and, despite the changes made throughout the centuries and it depict glorious era of Portuguese Dutch and British.
Galle is very famous with golden sandy beaches such as Jungle Beach Unawatuna, Koggala, Ahangama and Thalpe. It is artistic with luxurious villas and classy boutique hotels.
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