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Leisure >> World Heritage Cities >> Galle World Heritage Cities Galle
Location Situated on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the city of Galle is located 73 miles / 116 kilometres away from Colombo. History It was in 1587 that the Portuguese took control of the city of Galle. These new rulers constructed the first fortifications in the city, a single wall fronted by a moat which extended from the sea to the harbour. But in 1640, these defences were not enough to keep out a Dutch invasion of 12 ships and 2000 men, led by Wilhelm Jacobz Coster. The Dutch later converted Galle into a more fortified Dutch strong hold, a walled town with ten bastions. Akersloot Bastion is named after the birthplace of Coster, the Dutch commander who captured Galle. Galle was handed over to the British as part of the terms of a treaty signed in Colombo in February 1796. The preservation of the fort and the old town was maintained and continues to be the responsibility of the government today. Until the artificial harbour was built round the Colombo roadstead in the 1870s, Galle was Ceylon's chief port of call and therefore had to facilitate several hotels to accommodate the many travellers arriving in the city. Only the Oriental Hotel in the Fort and Closenburg overlooking the harbour, exist today. The second entrance to the fort (now used more as the main gate), was opened in-between the Sun and Moon Bastions. Gibbet is the name given to one of the small islands across the bay and is today part of the fisheries harbour, the dry docks and an inlet, where sailing yachts berth. Attractions A wealth of attractions can be found in the historic city of Galle. The Galle Fort, the Queens House, and the Dutch Church which leads to the old gate are some of the popular attractions in Galle. The beach of Unawatuna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is also only a short distance away from the city. Directions From Colombo follow highway A2 (Galle Road) all the way to the city of Galle. Getting There Galle can be easily accessed by car, coach, or train. Public transport is the most economical means of travel to the city.
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