Galle

This is Sri Lanka’s most historic town. The old town of Galle shows the interaction between European architecture and Sinhalese (Sri Lankan’s) traditions. The Galle Fort was originally built by Portuguese and modified by Dutch in the 17^th century. It is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in south-east Asia built entirely by Europeans. The most important landmarks include: the Dutch Reformed Church dating from 1640 and altered in 1755, the Meeran Jumma Mosque from 1898 based on former Catholic Church, the British lighthouse from 1938, and the Buddhist Temple laid over an old Portuguese Church. In the beginning of 21^st century the Dutch formed a foundation to rebuild the remaining homes from the Dutch era. Galle Fort has the potential to become the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka.