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Galle serves as the capital of the southern province. The town is best known for its remarkable 90-acre Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia. This historic gem was originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later extensively fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s.
Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage value, the Galle Fort was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. It stands as a unique showcase of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries." As you walk along its narrow streets today, you'll discover well-preserved evidence of Dutch influence, with some notable differences from four centuries ago.
Galle's history traces back to ancient times, with records of it being a bustling port on Ptolemy's world map dating from 125–150 AD. The town was a hub of trade, connecting Sri Lanka with distant lands, including Greece, Arab countries, China, and others. Its significance as a "port of call of the Levant" is noted in the cosmography of "Cosmas Indicopleustes."
Galle's historical narrative also intertwines with notable moments, including the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505, marking a significant change in the island's history. The Portuguese built the first fort here, along with a Franciscan chapel in 1541, although much of the chapel lies in ruins today. The fort later served as a prison camp for Sinhalese natives who opposed Portuguese rule.
In 1640, the Dutch entered the scene, allying with King Rajasinghe II to capture the Galle Fort from the Portuguese. The Dutch influence is vividly seen in the present-day Dutch architectural style of the fort.
The fortifications and structures continued to evolve over the centuries, with public administration buildings, warehouses, residential quarters, and even a Protestant church being added. The fort played a pivotal role in trade and defense, housing workshops for various crafts and an intricate sewer system that took sewage out to sea.
In 1796, the British took control of the fort, one week after capturing Colombo. Sri Lanka remained a British colony until it gained independence in 1948. In 1865, a part of the fort was transformed into the New Oriental Hotel, later becoming the Amangalla in 2005. As Colombo became the capital and primary port in the mid-19th century, the importance of Galle gradually diminished.
Today, Galle Fort stands as a testament to the island's intricate history, architectural marvels, and the interplay of cultures across the centuries. It's a living legacy that beckons travelers to explore its well-preserved streets and immerse themselves in its remarkable heritage
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"Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland
" Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY
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"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
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