Matara Star Fort, Star fort in Matara, Sri Lanka
Matara Star Fort is a star-shaped fortification on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River with six pointed corners. The walls made of granite and coral stone surround a central courtyard, with bastions designed to hold cannons at each point.
The Dutch East India Company built this fortification in 1763 after the original Matara fort proved vulnerable to attacks from Kandyan forces. The star shape design was chosen for better defense against artillery and siege warfare.
This structure shows how colonial forces designed military buildings with local stone. Visitors can walk along the walls and see how the geometric shape reflects European military thinking of the time.
The location operates as a museum maintained by the Archaeological Department and displays historical objects such as weapons and uniforms from different periods. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the site involves walking across the compound to view the various exhibits.
A water-filled moat once surrounded the entire fortification as an additional defense layer. In the past, crocodiles were kept within the water to deter potential intruders from attempting to breach the walls.
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