Jaffna Fort, Portuguese colonial fort in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Jaffna Fort is a fortification with massive stone walls rising along the northern coast of Sri Lanka, featuring five entrance tunnels carved through the structure. The site contains ruins of residential buildings, a church, and military installations built across multiple centuries.
The fortification was built in the early 1600s by Portuguese colonists and later taken over by the Dutch before passing to British control. After Sri Lanka's independence, the site remained an important military installation for the nation.
The chapel inside reflects a blend of Portuguese and Dutch architectural styles that visitors can still observe today. These building traditions show how different colonial powers left their mark on the fortification's layout and design.
The site is actively used by military forces and therefore not always freely accessible to tourists, so it's wise to verify current visiting conditions before traveling. Sturdy footwear is necessary as pathways cross over stone walls and uneven ground.
During a local conflict in the 1990s, the fortification suffered heavy damage that remains visible today on the destroyed sections of the walls. These scars in the structure tell of a turbulent period in the region's history.
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