The ramparts
All the way round.
Kosala Migara — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christopher from Shanghai, China — CC BY 2.0 · Rovin Shanila — CC BY-SA 4.0 · psychoslave — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daibo Taku — CC BY 3.0 · Aashaa — CC0 · DeeBFFTC — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daibo Taku — CC BY 3.0
A complete walled town on a headland in the Bay of Galle on Sri Lanka's south-west coast. The Portuguese built the first fort in 1588, and the Dutch fortified it extensively from 1649. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a unique example of European architecture meeting South Asian traditions. Massive stone ramparts and bastions named after the Sun, the Moon and the Star ring the town, and you can walk along them all the way round. Landmarks include the white Galle Lighthouse, 18 metres tall, and a clock tower from the British era. Inside are narrow streets of colonial houses, cafes, shops and craft workshops, old churches, the Meeran Mosque and a Buddhist temple, and a mixed community of many faiths still lives here. The ramparts withstood the 2004 tsunami, which damaged parts of the modern town. Entry is free. The best thing to do is walk the ramparts at sunset, then wander the lanes in the cooler evening. Give it at least half a day; most restaurants cater to tourists, so ask about halal if you need it.
All the way round.
White on the sea.
Colonial houses.
Fort, Galle, Southern Province
Yes, entry and the rampart walk are free; some museums inside charge separately.
At least half a day; walk the ramparts at sunset, then explore the lanes in the evening.
