GALLE FORT

We recently made a visit to the fort at Galle. I think this might be one of my favourite places I have visited in Sri Lanka so far. A small fort was constructed here by the Portuguese and, later, extended and developed by the Dutch. I find the historic architecture and sense of timelessness appealing. It's narrow streets are alluring and it's massive rock walls are impressive. Still, the fort is not a land lost to time but remains a thriving community. Inside it's walls are homes, churches, mosques, temples, offices, courts, companies, shops, hotels and restaurants.


This is one of the entrances to the fort. This photo was taken inside the fort, so you are looking out to see Galle International Cricket Stadium and the buildings of New Galle.











Along the mighty wall of the fort, tourists and locals alike enjoy a late-afternoon stroll. In the open, grassed areas numerous friendly cricket games will be in progress and young children run races.









Looking down one of the streets inside the fort.


















A restored bull cart.













It seems that each town in Sri Lanka has a clock tower serving as a point of reference. This is the fort's clock tower. Moments earlier a friendly game of cricket had concluded on this green.











Sunset from the fort walls.