Galle Fort is by distant the most important tourist attraction in Galle. Spread over a massive area of 36 acres, the fort is a settlement in itself which showcases the century-old culture and colonial heritage of Galle. Commonly referred to as the Dutch Fort, this is one of the most beautiful Galle attractions for being an amazing historical and archaeological site. The Galle Fort is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage memorial with more than 400 years of history. UNESCO described it as a World Heritage site for its unique explanation of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Today, the Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European settlers. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort. A multi-ethnic population occupies it, and a tour through the fort is sure to impress you with its impressive age-old architecture.
The site itself holds archaeological, historical as well as architectural significance, and it also has several attractions within its territory; from buzzing cafes, bookstores and restaurants to museums, gift and jewelry shops, hotels and offices built in the colonial-style architecture.