Which are the iconic buildings of Old Town Galle?

Here are some important buildings one can find inside the Galle Fort

Dutch Reformed Church

Also known as Groote Kerk, this church is located within the Galle Fort. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1640, the church was renovated by the Dutch around 1755.

The floor of the church is made of gravestones dedicated to the memories of parishioners who passed away centuries earlier. The lawn of the church is open and has a pebble pathway to enable visitors to look at the crumbling tombstones erected around the lawn.

A church organ from 1760 still sits in the building.

Old Dutch Hospital, Galle

Built by the Dutch as a hospital, this is one of the oldest buildings in the Galle Fort area. The building was used as the Galle Town Hall by the Sri Lankan government but due to restriction of space over time, the offices moved elsewhere. Today, after extensive renovation, the building is being used as a shopping and dining precinct.

Galle Lighthouse

This onshore lighthouse is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848. The original lighthouse, built by the British, was located 100 metres from the current site. However, it was destroyed by fire in 1934 and the existing lighthouse was erected in 1939. It is located within the walls of the Galle fort and is a popular tourist attraction.

Galle Clock Tower

Also known as the Anthonisz Memorial Clock Tower, this clock tower was constructed in 1831. It was paid for through public subscriptions by the people of Galle in recognition of Dr. P. D. Anthonisz, a well-known doctor. Roughly four-storeys high, the clock tower is situated immediately inside the fort ramparts.

National Maritime Museum

First opened to the public in 1992, the museum is located in a Dutch Warehouse that dates back to 1671. Originally specialising in the flora and fauna of the sea, the display at the museum expanded over time to include underwater artefacts, sea-faring, maritime trade and relics retrieved from the 20-odd maritime archaeological sites around Galle.

While the building housing the museum survived the 2004 tsunami, the adjoining UNESCO Maritime Archaeology Unit was completely destroyed. Three years after the tsunami, the maritime museum reopened to the public.

 

Picture Credit : Google