Galle is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Sri Lanka. This expansive coastal town is full of stunning locations and important historical landmarks. Among these, the Galle Fort – also referred to as the Old Dutch Fort – is undoubtedly the most famous and iconic. The Fort is not only one of the country’s premier attractions, but it is also a testament and symbol to the island’s rich colonial history and heritage. Within the Fort itself, there are plenty of sites to visit and one you can’t afford to miss out on is the Old Gate.
Galle had always been a popular port centuries before the Europeans ever set off in search of countries to colonise. There are records dating back all the way to the 2nd century that prove this. When the Portuguese did arrive on the island in 1505, they simply took advantage of this fact and made it one of their bases of operations. They would construct a fort for administrative purposes here.
The Old Gate was initially constructed by them as well – it was though to have a palisade that faced the ramparts during this time.
A little more than a century later, the Sri Lankan king would enlist the help of the Dutch to rid the island of the Portuguese. The Dutch would go onto to do so by utilising their superior arms and navy, however, they would also supplant the Portuguese as the new European occupants of the island. The Dutch would also start occupying the Fort themselves and made significant changes to it – including to the Old Gate as well. Primarily, they removed the palisades and connected the entrance to a warehouse that formed the ramparts. Various insignias and symbols were also painted on the walls during the reign of the Dutch. These included murals depicting the discovery of the Fort, insignia belonging to the Dutch East India Company and depictions of traditional Dutch heraldry. Most of these are still visible today but plaques that mentioned the Dutch East India Company were removed by the British once they expelled the Dutch and subjugated Galle for themselves.
For someone visiting the Old Gate today, be ready to marvel at age-old insignias that symbolised the great powers of the Colonial Era. You can also get a first-hand glimpse of colonial architecture and design.
