Wandering Through Galle: A Local's Perspective
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hrs (2.4 km)
Welcome to Galle, where every cobblestone street and ancient bastion tells a story of centuries past. Join us on a walking tour through the heart of Galle Fort, where you’ll discover the fascinating history and purpose behind each of its iconic bastions. Lace up your walking shoes and let’s begin our journey!
1. Sun Bastion
Begin your journey at Sun Bastion, a historic fortification that stands as a testament to Galle’s rich military heritage. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, Sun Bastion served as a strategic defence point against enemy attacks from both land and sea.
2. Moon Bastion
As you head north on Baladaksha Mawatha, you’ll encounter Moon Bastion on your right. This formidable structure played a crucial role in Galle’s defence, offering commanding views of the surrounding area and serving as a key artillery position during times of conflict.
3. Zwart Bastion
Continuing south along Church St and Queens St, you’ll come across Zwart Bastion on your left. Named after the Dutch word for “black,” this bastion was once a vital part of Galle’s defensive network, providing protection to the city’s inhabitants and guarding against potential threats.
4. Akersloot Bastion
Turning east onto Hospital St, you’ll soon reach Akersloot Bastion on your left. This bastion, named after the Dutch town of Akersloot, played a crucial role in Galle’s maritime defences, overlooking the city’s harbor and safeguarding against naval incursions.
5. Aurora Bastion
Heading south on Hospital St, you’ll encounter Aurora Bastion on your left. Named after the Roman goddess of dawn, this bastion symbolizes the resilience and fortitude of Galle’s defenders, standing as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.
6. Point Utrecht Bastion
Continuing south towards Front Cross St, you’ll pass Point Utrecht Bastion on your left. Named after the Dutch city of Utrecht, this bastion offered strategic protection to Galle’s southern flank, deterring potential invaders and ensuring the city’s security.
7. Flag Rock Bastion
As you head west on Rampart St, you’ll soon come across Flag Rock Bastion on your left. This bastion, overlooking the rocky coastline, was once a key vantage point for signalling incoming ships and monitoring maritime traffic in Galle’s harbor.
8. Triton Bastion
Continuing west towards Lighthouse St, you’ll encounter Triton Bastion on your left. Named after the Greek sea god Triton, this bastion played a crucial role in defending Galle’s western approaches, deterring enemy ships and protecting the city’s shoreline.
9. Neptune Bastion
Heading northwest on Rampart St towards Pedlar St, you’ll pass Neptune Bastion on your left. Named after the Roman god of the sea, this bastion symbolizes Galle’s maritime heritage and its reliance on the ocean for trade and defence.
10. Star Bastion
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