Matara Fort, Portuguese-Dutch fort in Matara, Sri Lanka
The fort spans 240 meters in length with walls reaching 5 meters high, constructed from local granite and coral materials along the coast.
Originally built by Portuguese forces in 1595, the Dutch captured and reconstructed the fortification in 1640 to strengthen their control of the region.
The Dutch Reformed Church of 1706 within the fort walls represents one of the earliest Protestant religious structures still operating in Sri Lanka.
Visitors can access the fort daily, with the morning hours providing clear views of the Indian Ocean from the elevated rampart sections.
The fort's strategic position between the Niwala Ganga lagoon and the ocean led to the construction of Star Fort as additional protection.
Location: Matara
Inception: 1595
GPS coordinates: 5.94830,80.54848
Latest update: March 19, 2025 08:56
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