If your time is limited, a day-trip to Galle Fort is a very good idea. Of all the places we visited in Sri Lanka, Galle Fort was one of our favorites. Read below to get our guide for a day-trip to Galle Fort in Sri Lanka.
The history of Galle Fort
The Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505. They gave the island the name Ceilao, which was changed to Ceylon during the British colonization. This name stuck through their independence until 1972 when the island was named Sri Lanka.
The fort in Galle was built in 1588 by the Portuguese and refined by the Dutch in the following years. The task of the fort was to prevent attacks from enemies. In 1796 was handed over to the British. They made big changes in the fort, and that is how Galle Fort became the fort we know and visit today.
The beautiful building built by the Portuguese, Dutch, and Britons still stands today. And they have become part of Unesco’s World Heritage. Today the fort isn’t a headquarters but has been changed to modern restaurants, shops, and galleries. The atmosphere in Galle Fort and their cozy streets is a must-do when in Sri Lanka. Galle Fort is filled with history but if you like shopping or beautiful sunsets this is also something you find here.
The historical roundtrip
First stop: Main Gate
Opening hours: Open day and night
Address: Stadium Road / Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free
Start your historical walk around Galle Fort at the main gate. From here the wall is around the whole fort. The gate is decorated with a coat of arms. On each side is a lion, on top is a rooster and the letters VOC; Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie. Translated to United East Indian Company.
Second stop: The Dutch Church
Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30
Address: Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free
The next stop on your walk around Galle Fort is the Dutch Church. The church was originally built in 1640 but the present church “only” dates to 1755. Today the church is still in use – especially for services on Sundays.
One thing you should notice when visiting the Dutch Church is the gravestones in the walls. History says that the neighboring Dutch cemetery was closed and the gravestones were put inside the church. Lastly, the original organ from 1760 is still inside the church – an old and beautiful sight.
Third stop: The Maritime Archeology Museum
Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:30 every day except holidays
Address: Queen Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price:
Adult: 300 LKR
Child: 150 LKR
In the Maritime Archeology Museum, you get an insight into Sri Lankan history – especially an insight into how big an influence the ocean has had. Galle was once a big harbor- and fishing town. At the museum, you have the opportunity to see old fisher boats, learn about the Sri Lankan fishing-technic and the tsunamis which have raged over Sri Lanka.
Fourth stop: The All Saints Church
Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:00
Address: Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free – Be a polite tourist and give a donation
The All Saints Church was established by the British in 1871. With its Victorian architecture, the Church is hard to miss on the streets inside the walls of the fort. Remember to take time to take in the beauty of the All Saints Church.
Fifth stop: The Old Dutch Hospital
Opening hours: 8:00 – 23:00
Address: Old Hospital Building, Hospital Street, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free
The Old Dutch Hospital was built in the 17th century and is still standing today. However, it has been rebuilt into a shopping center with 21 trendy shops from both local and global brands. Thereby you have the opportunity to buy souvenirs while walking among old pillars, thick walls, and granite tiles.
Sixth stop: Pointe De Galle Light
Opening hours: Open day and night
Address: Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free
Point De Galle Light is the lighthouse of Galle Fort. It was built in 1848, but unfortunately, the original lighthouse was burned to the ground. The “new” lighthouse was built in 1939 a few meters from where the original stood.
The lighthouse was one of our favorite monuments in Galle Fort. With the beautiful view, the surrounding palm trees, and the sound of the waves it’s a very idyllic place.
Seventh stop: Walk along the wall
Opening hours: Open day and night
Address: Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka (walk on the wall, not on the street)
Price: Free
The wall of the fort is where locals and tourists meet to enjoy the incredible view of the ocean and the city. The walk to the last and eighth stop starts here. Start by the lighthouse on the south-eastern part of the fort. From here you can walk on the wall of the fort along the ocean.
Walk towards the north-western part of the for – where you can see the clock tower. On the last part of your walk, you are walking where the border between Galle city and Galle Fort.
Eight stop: The Clock tower
Opening hours: Open day and night
Address: Rampart Street, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Price: Free
The last stop around Galle Fort is the clock tower, which was built in 1833. At this place, you can discover statues, enjoy the view over Galle city, or watch the local cricket stadium. If you are lucky you may have the chance to see a friendly match between locals.
Shopping at Galle Fort
While at Galle Fort you can combine your sightseeing with shopping. Here you will find jewelry, make-up, arts and crafts, and so much more.
So, take some time to explore the cute shops in Galle Fort and find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones.
Our 4 favorites shops were these:
- Embark – If you like shopping and dogs Embark is the perfect shop for you. You will find almost everything – from cups, cloth and other souvenirs. The money from the shop goes to an organization that helps stray dogs. It’s a good initiative and worth a visit.
- Stick No Bills – This one was definitely our favorite. You can buy postcards and posters with graphical designs. It’s almost impossible to buy something.
- Orchid House – In this shop you can buy jewelry, Sri Lankan sarongs, and arts and crafts.
- Barefoot – This shop is part of a bigger store-chain. They sell interiors and you can find everything from knick-knacks, fabric, clothes, books, toys, and other souvenirs.
The perfect ending
End your day-trip in Galle Fort with a perfect ending. The wall of the fort is where locals and tourists meet. It’s the gathering point for everyone inside the walls of the fort around sunset. The sunset, seen from the wall of the fort, is a magical sight and definitely a must-see when in Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. The light is incredible and perfect for Instagram-pictures. Also, the atmosphere on the fort is peaceful and a perfect way to end a day-trip in Galle Fort.
