Galle Sri Lanka

Galle is a historic coastal city located on the south-western tip of Sri Lanka, and it has played a key role in the island’s maritime and colonial history for centuries. Long before European arrival, Galle—then known as Gimhathiththa—was an important port used by Arab, Persian, Chinese, and Indian traders. The Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta referred to the city in the 14th century, confirming its significance as a trading hub well before colonial rule.
The city’s modern historical identity began with the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century, who built the first fortifications around the harbour. In 1640, control passed to the Dutch, who expanded and strengthened the fort into a heavily fortified city. Galle reached the height of its development during the Dutch colonial period in the 18th century. The British later took control in 1796, after which Colombo replaced Galle as the island’s main port.
The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, recognised as the finest example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, blending European architectural styles with South Asian traditions.