The Negombo Dutch Fort, located in the coastal town of Negombo, Sri Lanka, stands as a historic testament to the island’s colonial past. Established by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, with fortifications added by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort played a significant role in defending the area and controlling trade routes. Today, the fort remains a prominent landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage.
img via flickr
The Importance of the Fort
Sri Lanka’s history is marked by harsh periods of foreign colonisation, and traces of these tumultuous times can still be found in structures like the forts in Galle, Colombo, and even as far north as Jaffna. The Dutch Fort in Negombo, also referred to as the Negombo Fort, was a key fortification built by the Portuguese.
A Glimpse into History
According to reports, when the Portuguese first constructed the Negombo Fort, it was a simple square enclosed by walls, offering minimal defences and manned by only a few soldiers. The Dutch easily captured it in early 1640, and for the next three years, they successfully defended it against repeated Portuguese attempts to reclaim it. It is a lovely place to visit if you happen to be staying in nearby accommodations such as the Heritance Negombo.
Over the Years
In 1672, the Dutch redesigned the fort, replacing its original square shape with a pentagonal one. In February 1796, the British took control of the fort without resistance, later demolishing and reconstructing it into a prison in the late 1800s. Today, it continues to serve as a facility for Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons.
Finding the Fort
The fort is located in the heart of Negombo, just a 10-minute walk from St. Mary’s Church. The ideal time to visit is in the evening, as its proximity to the seafront makes it a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset, out of the many choices of places to visit in Negombo.
