About Black Fort, Galle
Black Fort, also called Zwart Fort, which can be reached after walking along the Galle fort wall is the oldest built bastion by the Portuguese. It’s one of the 14 bastions of this fort. It is called Black fort because in the ancient times this place was always covered in thick curls of smoke coming from canons and guns. The Galle fort or the Dutch fort that crowns the coastal area of Galle is nearly 500 years old and stood strongly at the face of many calamities. It has survived the December 2004 earthquake and its glamour and fineness owe much to the archaeological teams. The fort is now draped in greenery and surrounded by blue waters on two sides. This fort was built in 1588 by the Portuguese to defend the town of Galle and also the place where Sinhalese prisoners were held. The fort was under Portuguese, Sinhalese, and Dutch and later in the 18th century, under the British.
The fort has similarities to that of a civilisation, with streets and houses of Dutch style. The fort houses Meera Mosque, Church, a Clock Tower dating back to 1882, Galle lighthouse and warehouse that now is a National Maritime Museum. It is a UNESCO recognised Heritage and maintained by the government of Sri Lanka.
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Places to Visit near Black Fort, Galle
National Maritime Museum, Galle, Southern Province
0.1 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The Maritime Museum in Galle is located on the Old Dutch warehouse of the fort of Galle. This is the only museum which showcases the marine...
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Galle Fort, Southern Province
0.3 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
Located on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka in the bay of Galle, the Galle Fort has been declared as the World Heritage Site. Built by the...
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Dutch Reformed Church, Galle, Southern Province
0.3 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The Dutch Reformed Church completed in 1755, with some resemblance to the ones in Negapatnam and Cochin in India. Built on a site of earlier...
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Lighthouse Beach, Galle, Southern Province
0.4 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The lighthouse, 18 meters tall, is located at the eastern end of the Galle Fort. It towers on the Point Utrecht Bastion. From here can be viewed...
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Galle Lighthouse, Point Utrecht Bastion, Southern Province
0.4 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
Point Utrecht Bastion is one of the 14 bastions of this fortified city. It is located at the farthest end of the East of the Galle Fort and its...
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Flag Rock, Galle, Southern Province
0.6 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
To the extreme south of the Fort lies the naturally occurring giant rock that was once used by the Portuguese as the defence wall. The sea, at...
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Rumassala Mountain, Southern Province
5.5 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The beautiful and historical Rumassala Mountain is also called the “Mythical Mountain of Sri Lanka”. Staying true to its acronym, this place...
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Jungle Beach, Unawatuna, Sabaragamuwa Province
5.6 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The Jungle beach is located between Galle and Unawatuna. This place is less known to tourists and is thus less crowded which makes it appealing...
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Japanese Peace Pagoda (Unawatuna), Southern Province
5.9 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is located in the majestic city of Galle, Sri Lanka and is the most peaceful attractions of the city. This place is a...
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Unawatuna Beach, Southern Province
6.4 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
Located about 5kms east of Galle, the Unawatuna Beach is the most popular beach for independent travellers and is the perfect place to spend a few...
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Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, Galle, Southern Province
7.1 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
A fine place for temple lovers, the Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is located just inland from Galle. This is a quiet, rock temple with a 9m...
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Mihiripenna Beach, Unawatuna, Southern Province
9.1 km from Black Fort, Galle - See map
The Mihiripenna Beach located in Unawatuna is a beautiful beach with lovely, soft sand and clear water. An interesting aspect of this beach is...
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