Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Galle is a city that is drenched in history and its main draw is the Galle fort that was originally built by the Portuguese in 1588. Along with the fort, there are oodles of enticing attractions that boasts great historic and cultural significance and visiting each of them will add in colourful memories to your exploration experience. If you are seeking for a more unique and enticing experience in this historic city, one of the best places to visit here, that is often overlooked by others is the National Museum of Galle.
Although it might not come in as a premier travel destination, the museum stands out from the rest due to the unique array of relics and antiquities that are kept on display within the premises. The building in which the museum is located boasts a great historic value since it is the oldest Dutch building on the island. Built in the year of 1656 the single-storeyed building served as a commissariat store for the Dutch garrison which was stationed at the fort. Once the colonial rule was over, realising its historic and cultural significance, the building was renovated and was restored to its former glory by the department of national museums. With the addition of historic artefacts which were retrieved around the region of Galle, the building was designated as a museum on march 31st of 1986.
Today the museum houses a vibrant collection of artefacts which belong to the Portuguese, Dutch and the British colonial era. It has three designated areas of which the first one contains artefacts on cottage industries in the Galle region. Here you would see how handicrafts in the region are being made – predominantly the ‘beeralu’ lace weaving, traditional wooden mask making and jewellery that are made from objects such as coconut and turtle shells. The second area contains artefacts from the Dutch period which includes furniture, weaponry and ceramicware. The third area is the most recent addition to the museum, features artefacts that offer archaeological evidence that shows the trade relationship china and Srilanka had during the past. With numerous things to see and learn the museum is certainly an ideal place to visit if you are a history buff. Even if you are not, the enticing artefacts and exhibits certainly let you experience a profound sense of discovery!
