Fort Halle, Sri Lanka: photos, attractions, reviews

Fort Halle is located in the eponymous bay in the southeast of Sri Lanka. It is an archaeological, architectural and historical heritage that has preserved a magnificent view for more than four centuries thanks to the reconstruction work carried out by specialists of Sri Lanka.

Halle (city), Sri Lanka

This is a fairly large port city. Its population is more than one hundred thousand people. In the past, the city was the main water gate of the country. Its history is interesting. The name of the city is not local, but Portuguese. The word "galle" translates as "cock". And it all began in 1505, when the Portuguese merchant ship was wrecked. In the morning after the tragedy, the team realized that it was on uncharted land. The habitation of this place was only spoken by the rooster's singing. Hence the name of the city. Its main attraction is the fort, which was built almost a century and a half ago.

History of the fort

It was the Portuguese who built the fortress on this land. This happened in 1588. But when the Dutch came here in the 17th century, it was rebuilt, so Halle Fort is considered a Dutch fortress. 1663 is considered the date of its foundation. For 200 years, the fortress was the main port of the country, it was the place where the ships moored from Europe to Asia.

Fort today

The modern fort Halle (Sri Lanka) is an urban area, which is called the Old Town. It is also the main tourist area. Behind the high walls of the fort are shops and hotels, restaurants and cafes, banks and offices, there is even a private market. Here, a calm and measured life flows. In this place there is no fuss, which is typical for neighboring areas, located at a distance of several hundred meters from the fortress.

Fort Halle (Sri Lanka) is characterized by a quiet, almost romantic atmosphere, which has to walk through ancient narrow streets. This is a whole complex of attractions and memorable places, because in addition to the walls and ancient buildings on the territory of the fort are museums, a lighthouse, antique shops, jewelry workshops, a bell tower, a mosque and a church.

Fort Halle (Sri Lanka), a photo of which you can see in the article - is a network of bastions, which in their time reflected the attacks of the invaders. Everyone who wishes as a member of the excursion group or independently can walk along the ruins of this citadel.

Bastion Rocky cape signaled to the ships of the sea about the approach of the enemy. From the fortress Pigeon Island, located nearby, the soldiers fired at the ships of the enemy. The bastion of Triton had a windmill. She served sea water, provided the economic needs of the town. The bastions of the Moon, the Stars and the Sun are successively one behind the other on the narrow isthmus of the peninsula. And the bastions Tson, Stehr and Maan from the side defended the fort. Until now, only the bastion Tsvat has survived.

Fort Halle (Sri Lanka) is always open, because it is part of the city. You can enter the territory through two entrances (old and main gates). The entrance fee is not charged, and for inspection of some sights to pay it is necessary. If you have enough time, we recommend that you not only walk through the streets and the center of the fort. Go around the perimeter, along the walls, which lead to several stairs.

sights

We suggest you to get acquainted with interesting places of Fort Halle (Sri Lanka). And to begin acquaintance follows from ancient walls on which everyone can walk: the paths are wide, absolutely safe. Especially popular are sunset walks, when the sun descends overseas, painting it and the surroundings in a variety of colors. Bright and picturesque views will make a huge impression even on a man completely devoid of romance. To contemplate these beauties in some sections of the walls are equipped with small, but very comfortable shops.

New Oriental Hotel

It is not only the oldest hotel in the country, but also the oldest in Asia. The magnificent building, executed in colonial style, was erected in 1864 as the residence of the governor. Today, the house of the highest official has become a hotel, which has not undergone any changes either outside or inside. The cost of living in it is too high. But this does not stop the rich tourists who are willing to pay for living in an ancient mansion, located on the territory of the famous monument.

Lighthouse

In the east of Fort Halle (Sri Lanka) is the bastion of Utrecht. In 1848, a lighthouse with a height of twenty-four and a half meters was built on its summit. At that time he played an important strategic role - he pointed out the way to the vessels in a difficult bay in the navigational direction.

After the fire in 1934, the lighthouse was destroyed. Five years later a new one was built in its place. It is a white round tower with a height of 26 m and a diameter of 47 m. Its flash at night illuminates the sky every ten seconds.

Clock tower

In the part of the bastion, which was built in 1663, this tower was built with a height of forty meters. Once it also served as a lighthouse for ships entering the port. Over time, this need has disappeared, and at the top of the tower a clock with a Roman dial was installed. Unfortunately, they can not boast of precision. Inside the structure, tourists are not allowed.

National Museum

The museum is located in the oldest building of the fort, which was built in 1656, although the exhibition halls were open to visitors only in 1986. They introduce the archaeological finds found in the south of Sri Lanka. This dishes and ritual masks, jewelry and household items. Here are exhibits of the Dutch era: clay vessels and weapons.

The Maritime Museum

This museum is the only one in the country dedicated to the ichthyofauna of this region. Here you can see the uneasy life of fishermen. The museum was quite successful until 2004. It was this year that a devastating tsunami took place here.

The Dutch government took care of the restoration of the complex. In the museum visitors can see several rooms in which they are offered to get acquainted with the life and life of fishing villages. Of particular interest is the exposition of turtles and corals, invertebrates and fish. The highlight of the exhibition is the skeleton of the whale. In the near future, it is planned to expand the expositions.

Historical Museum

This is the largest private museum in the country. It stores things that once belonged to the rich jeweler Abdul Haaffar. Forty years he collected paintings and original pieces of furniture, unique antiques. Today all this is part of the exposition, which is now available to the general public.

Great Temple

Initially, there was an old church in Fort Halle (Sri Lanka), which was built in 1640. In 1752 it was reconstructed, and it turned into a two-level Great Temple. At the first level, the Dutch gravestones are laid out on the floor. On the second floor there is an operating body, which was installed in 1760. Not less attention deserves colorful stained-glass windows.

Government House

This building of the era of colonial rule, erected in 1701, is located opposite the Great Temple. Above the massive entrance doors, today there is an image of a cock. And these days the building is heated with real Dutch furnaces. To get inside the tourists can not, but no one will prevent you from admiring the architecture and beautiful facades.

Where to stay?

In the fort itself there are many hotels, mini-hotels that are ready to offer accommodation and quite a decent level of comfort. Below we present to you some hotels in Halle (Sri Lanka) where you can stay on your trip.

Hotel Tropical Retreat 3 *

This cozy hotel offers its guests comfortable rooms. They all have a seating area, a balcony, air conditioning and a minibar. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, hairdryer and toiletries. The rooms overlook the beautiful garden. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a cozy restaurant on site.

Hotel Green Casa 3 *

Located in Halle, 1.7 km from the fort. All rooms are furnished with modern functional furniture, have a well-equipped bathroom. Amenities include LCD TV, air conditioning. The hotel has a bike rental service. Private parking is available on site.

Era Beach 5 *

This fashionable hotel belongs to a family of mini-hotels, in which a small number of rooms is compensated by a refined atmosphere, excellent service. It offers private accommodation in a picturesque old mansion. In the territory there is a modern spa center that offers Ayurvedic massage, aromatherapy and other body and face care procedures.

Here you will be offered to make an exciting sea trip, watch the dolphins and whales, and do your favorite water sports.

Sri Lanka, Halle: reviews

Impressions of the trip to Halle are different. Most tourists are pleased with the visit to the city, they recall the picturesque landscapes and unique monuments of antiquity. Negative reviews most often relate to some hotels, in which there are frequent water shortages and unprofessional work of the personnel is noted. But this does not apply to hotels that have 4 and 5 stars.