Timeline of Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
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Timeline of Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
About
The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Galle, Sri Lanka. It is a historic fortified city that dates back to the 16th century and showcases a blend of European architectural styles with South Asian traditions.
Time Period
| Time Period | Description |
|---|---|
| 13th Century | Initial Galle Port established by Arab traders |
| 1505 | Portuguese invasion and the construction of the first fortification |
| 1640 | Dutch capture Galle from the Portuguese and extensively fortify the area |
| 1796 | Galle falls under British rule |
| 1948 | Sri Lanka gains independence from the British, and Galle becomes part of the country |
Historical Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1502 | Explorer Vasco da Gama visits Galle on his way to India |
| 1644 | Formation of the Dutch East India Company |
| 1797 | First British attack on Galle during the Napoleonic Wars |
| 2004 | Galle suffers extensive damage by the Indian Ocean tsunami |
| 2018 | Galle Fort celebrates its 433rd anniversary |
Emperors/Rulers
| Emperor/Ruler | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Empire | 1505-1640 |
| Dutch Republic | 1640-1796 |
| British Empire | 1796-1948 |
| Sri Lanka | 1948-present |
Mysteries
- Legend of the hidden treasure within the fortifications
- Various haunted stories associated with certain buildings
- The mystery of Galle’s ancient underground tunnels
Wars
| War | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Portuguese-Dutch War | 1602-1661 |
| Napoleonic Wars | 1796-1815 |
| Sri Lankan Civil War | 1983-2009 |
Important Persons
- Vasco da Gama – Portuguese explorer
- Pieter Both – Dutch Governor-General of Dutch East India Company
- Lord Horatio Nelson – British Admiral
- Richard Boyle, 9th Earl of Cork – British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Current State
The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications still stand proudly and attract tourists from around the world. The fort area is a vibrant district with numerous boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and colonial-era buildings that have been beautifully preserved. It remains a living heritage site, showcasing a unique cultural fusion.
First Piper 