Galle

Galle, situated 119 km south of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southwestern tip, is a magnificent fortified city that represents the pinnacle of colonial architecture in South Asia. Originally established as Gimhathitha, this ancient port has welcomed traders from Greece, Arabia, China, and India for over 2,000 years. The Portuguese first fortified it in 1588, but it was the Dutch who created the masterpiece we see today between 1663-1729, covering 52 hectares with massive coral and granite walls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1988) exemplifies the unique fusion of European architectural styles with South Asian traditions. The fort withstood the 2004 tsunami and continues to thrive as a living city where colonial buildings house boutique hotels, museums, churches, mosques, and art galleries. The 14 bastions connected by ramparts create an impregnable fortress while offering spectacular ocean vistas, making Galle both a historical monument and a vibrant cultural center.