Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications 

Most famous for centuries old castle, Galle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under ‘category culture’ states in 1988. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year to reach the max temperature to 31⁰ C and rainfall from May to September. Galle fort was built in 1588 by the Portuguese in the 52-ha area in the Bay of Galle on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, and then extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort of Galle is a great monument of historical, archaeological and architectural value. It is the largest and most secure fortress in Sri Lanka declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. It has been declared an archaeological reserve by the UN since 1969.

The Galle harbor has played an important role in the export of special spices cinnamon from Sri Lanka. However, Galle modern history dates back to the 16th century. Portuguese navigators arrived at Galle in 1505 by Lourenco de Almeida, and they fortified the town to defend the peninsula in northern landside. But they were ousted by the Dutch who arrived in Galle in 1640. Galle saw its development peak in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. Galle is a perfect blend of European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

The fort, was taken over by the Dutch in 1640 has extensive fortification because the bastioned stone wall added to the castle to make it impregnable against the English, French, Danish, Spanish and Portuguese fleets competing with the Dutch for supremacy of the sea. During the 1660s, the castle gate north and most of the curtain wall is built.

It is during the 18th century that the fort of Galle has a lot of development. private homes, public administration buildings, businesses and warehouses located in the fort during this century.

In 1796, the fort of Galle handed over to the British after they took over Colombo. Since the Galle remained the administrative center of southern Ceylon and many inappropriate modifications do affect the value of the history and architecture of the castle.

Lighthouse

Galle Lighthouse also known as Pointe de Galle Light is the oldest light station Sri Lanka. Established in 1848 as the first inland lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka, the original 80-foot structure was destroyed by fire and the existing structure was built in 1939, just 100 meters from where its predecessor stood.

Standing at 26.5 meters the first lighthouse light fitted with prism glass lens is supported on a friction reducing Mercury shower. Mercury bath has two purposes; one is to keep the lights on a perfect level and the other is to make the rotation smooth light and friction.