Katuwana Fort, Dutch military fort in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka
Katuwana Fort is a military fortress in Hambantota District that sits on a hill overlooking the Urubokka Stream. The structure has a square layout with two bastions positioned to hold up to twelve cannons for coastal defense.
The fort was built in 1646 by the Dutch East India Company to protect trade routes and defend against attacks from the Kandyan Kingdom. This construction reflects the period when European powers competed for control over the island.
The fort represents the adaptation of European military architecture to local geography, incorporating natural defenses from nearby streams and hills.
The fort can be reached from Middeniya with connecting routes from Panamure and Embilipitiya in southern Sri Lanka. Climbing to the top of the hill gives you the best view of the entire structure and surrounding area.
The outer walls of the fort are noticeably taller than the interior areas, creating an asymmetrical design built to fit the hillside slope. This unusual height difference was a practical solution for the sloped ground at the location.
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