Galle
The place that made me fall in love with Sri Lanka
Galle is a tiny piece of Europe in the very heart of Southeast Asia. Portuguese, Dutch and English settlers have passed by this age-old city over the years, and each one’s culture has left its distinctive mark on the art and architecture of the city. Since ancient times, Galle had been a prominent commercial seaport well known to Persians, Arabs, Romans, Indians and even Chinese navigators, long before the arrival of the European settlers.
This multicultural past has made Galle an open city full of life in which different peoples and religious communities live together. It’s the perfect representation of the melting pot of cultures that is breathed in Sri Lanka’s air, which made me fall in love with the island more than ten years ago.
Galle’s splendid colonial past remains present in every corner of the city, especially in its architecture, giving it the appearance of a place where time has stopped. Walking along its streets is quite a sensory experience for me.
Galle’s unique and harmonious blend of both oriental and western features inspires me day by day to create our fine handmade jewellery.
In each corner I stop to talk to someone, there is always some news to comment because here the little things and anecdotes fill the day of the locals.
Although the Portuguese first projected Galle Fort during the 16th century, Dutch settlers extensively expanded and fortified the original structure, almost from scratch, giving it its current dimensions. The fort confers Galle its unique walled city appearance. Even the UNESCO has recognized its heritage value by inscribing Galle Fort as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonial style buildings predominate between its walls, such as the residence of the Commander, the Great Warehouse or the Old Dutch Hospital. The fort area also houses the National Museum of Galle, the Maritime Museum of Galle and the interesting Clock Tower.
Another Galle Fort’s special feature is that, due to its multicultural past, here we can find both mosques and churches along with the traditional Buddhist temple. The Dutch Protestant church Groote Kerk, is located very close to the latter tower. It’s a splendid example of Baroque architecture. A stroll around the walled old town of Galle is a most for those who want to feel the real essence of the Fort.
When I first arrived on the island, city of Galle was trying to recover from the disaster caused by the Tsunami of 2004; miraculously the interior of the Fort was not affected. During the last decade, I’ve been privileged witness of Galle’s transformation into one of the most beautiful and flourishing cities across the country. I want to share with you my top picks in the place where lies a part of OONA’s essence and also of my life.
A Hidden Treasure
Next to the Groote Kerk church, in a humble colonial building with whitewashed walls, one of my favourite places in the city is hidden: the Galle Fort Library. Established in 1832, it’s identified as the first library of the whole country. It houses more tan 8000 ancient books written in different languages and also other curiosities such as the first journal published in Sri Lanka.
The town also has a strong link with literature since it is the heart of Galle Literary Festival, which is held every January in the Fort. Since first launching in 2007, the festival has become one of the most anticipated literary events in Southeast Asia, and each year it welcomes more attendees from all around the world.
A charming boutique hotel:
The Fort Printers Hotel
In the old town, inside the walls of Galle Fort, we can find several private boutique hotels placed in quaint colonial style buildings, but Fort Printers Hotel is my favourite. It’s located in an 18th Century Dutch mansion.
Tastefully decorated combining original colonial and Ceylon design with vintage style furniture. Its inner courtyard is the perfect place to relax, enjoy lunch or dinner by the swimming pool. It’s one of the top accommodation options in the fort and considered the best restaurant in the South coast of Sri Lanka.
A Sunset by The Lighthouse
When dusk begins to fall, it’s the perfect moment to go for a magic walk by the sea to visit the renowned Galle Lighthouse, one of the best-known spots of the city. The current light station, which remains in operation, is a reconstruction of the original 19th century British lighthouse erected in 1939, after the original building was destroyed in a fire.
Enjoying the views and the lighthouse silhouetted against the red, orange and violet sky of tropical sunset, then I love to join the children cooling off from the humid tropical heat after school in the small beach just behind, one of the moments I enjoy most before ending the day in one of the most charming places in the Indian Ocean.
My Personal Tour
Every day I walk the streets of the Fort and visit my favourite places, either for shopping or enjoy Ceylon tea time.
Organic beauty products: Spa Ceylon
Decor and hand-painted fabrics: Tallentire House
Interesting books and handcrafts: Barefoot
Fashion and accesories: Exotic Roots
Tea time: Amangalla Hotel Best crab in Sri Lanka: Tuna & Crab
