The history of the iconic Galle Fort dates back many centuries and was a well-known natural harbor used by Persian, Arab, Greek and Roman traders, among others long before it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 1500s. Through historic trading, European colonization, the tsunami in 2004 and the tourism boom in the island in more recent times, the landscape of Galle Fort has changed significantly. Commonly referred to as the Dutch Fort, after those who fortified it after it was built by the Portuguese, the fort has 14 bastions and granite and coral ramparts, fitted with cannons to protect Galle from seafarers. At present, Galle Fort is a melting pot of cultures and communities and a favored destination of many.

Experience Overview

Go on a guided walk with your host as he explains the history of the fort that has attracted traders and travelers from around the world. Walk through the cobblestoned pathways flanked by antique shops, heritage houses and restaurants offering everything from Moroccan to crepes, while your host engages you in historical tales of the evolution of these ramparts and the battles that took place in the name of the fort. Take a look at the architectural and archaeological sites that have given Galle Fort its UNESCO World Heritage status. Your host is from Galle and is certain to amuse you with stories and tales from the area.

Includes:

Your host

Duration:

1.5 – 2 hours

Difficulty:

Moderate. We rate this experience as moderate because it can get very hot in the fort but your host will do his best to find shady spots

Suitable for children:

Older children should find the stories on the walk interesting but younger children may find it tiring and hard to understand

Times:

Flexible, but we recommend doing this walk earlier in the morning or in the evening to avoid midday heat

What to wear or bring along:

Light but conservative clothing, sunscreen, a hat and water

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History and architecture walk around Galle Fort - Experience - Sri Lanka In Style

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Managing Expectations

“ It is important to remember that, whilst they are experts in their field, the people who run or host our experiences are not necessarily used to working in the tourism industry and may not offer the level of service you would find at a five-star hotel. For example, instead of a formal lecture, you may get a relaxed conversation where open discussion is encouraged. All of our hosts are, however, extremely engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about educating visitors about their chosen subject and we have worked with them to ensure that they deliver worthwhile, fulfilling experiences. We welcome feedback, so please let us know what you thought and if you think any improvements could be made to the experiences we offer. ”

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History and architecture walk around Galle Fort