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GALLE FORT

GALLE FORT

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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    "Hi Mr.Cyril, Hope you and family and grandchild are doing fine.  Hope to come to Sri Lanka again. We really enjoyed our trip especially with your special help and guidance.  We will definitely contact you if at all we wish to visit Sri Lanka again. Thanks & Best Regards Mr. & Mrs.Pillai Singapore 29/7/11 " Mr & Mrs.Pillai from Singapore

    "We highly appreciated Cyril as our chauffeur guide. We can easily speak with him about any subject. We learnt a lot about Sri Lanka' s culture, history and way of life. He arrange everything we asked. In the airport on arrval his welcome is marvelous. His English language is superb and very clear. His knowledge and expanation about the sites are unique. More than the all he is very friendly and punctual. We will recommend him all the people who willing to come to Sri Lanka." COMBE MARTIAL AND WILD EMMANUEL FROM FRANCE

    "Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia

    "Dear Cyril, Yes that's the one that we were calling all the time. Her name is Celia and by now she has a little sister. My dear Cyril, of course we can't forget your companion and we are always telling about you when we are talking about our trip to Sri Lanka. I wish you good luck with your company and I hope that you will have whatever you want. I want to tell also that I was very happy when I learned that you are a grandfather now. Best regards, Chris Greece 26/07/2011" Cristos Pravitas - Greece

    "Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK

    "Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver

    "Thank you so much Cyril for guiding us around your beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time which was made particularly special by your professionalism, enthusiasm and friendliness. We wish you all the best in the future. Warm regards from,  Aonghus O'Keefee and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland " Aonghus and Sheela Hendricks- Ireland

    "If you ever plan to visit Sri Lanka (and I think you should) this is your guide!!! Martha Iordanidou  - Thesoloneki - Greece  " Martha Iordanidou

    "(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

    "We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop

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