Enquire
A feature of the island’s colonial occupation is evident in the many Forts around the country that testify to this legacy. While Galle Fort is the most famous, the Dutch Fort Negombo, also called the Negombo or Dutch Fort, is a 10-minute walk from St.Mary’s Church and a few minutes from the Negombo Fish Market. First built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this Fort in Negombo was only a modest square fortification for a small battalion of soldiers. After the Fort was captured by the Dutch in 1640, the Fort suffered constant battering by the Portuguese for three years, who tried to claim it back. The Fort once again fell to the Portuguese in 1643, who wanted to strengthen the fortification, but it was recaptured by the Dutch a month later.
After the fort was recaptured by the Portuguese, the Dutch rebuilt it in 1672 to its present location away from the original square and changed its design to a pentagonal shape. In February 1796, the British took over the fort without firing a shot; they demolished and rebuilt it as a prison in the 1800s. Even today, the Sri Lankan Prisons Department still uses a part of the fort.
The best-preserved areas of the fort remain the eastern rampart and arch gateway, along with the clocktower located on a small hill. It was undoubtedly the timekeeper for the local residents during the colonial era.
Tip: St.Mary’s Church and the Negombo Fish Market can easily be combined with a visit to the Fort; both are a short distance away. The Market is best during the morning; the earlier, the more active it is.
Close to Circular Road by the Clocktower
Open: Daily 8:00 am- 8:00 pm
Tickets: Entrance is Free
