Dutch Fort of Tangalle (තංගල්ල බලකොටුව)

Tangalle (also known as Tangalla) is a large town in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. Tangalle is a regionally important fishing port, situated on one of the largest bays in Sri Lanka, which is protected from the ocean by an enclosing reef. Today It is a centre of tourism and a popular holiday destination on the south coast.

In the town centre lies the old Dutch Fort which is used as a prison today. The Dutch and subsequently the British used Tangalle as an important anchorage on the southern coast of the island. The Dutch Fort, Rest House and Court House are a few remaining examples of Dutch architecture in Tangalle.

The Dutch built this fort around 1775 on top of a slope above the shores of its bay. In the same period the Dutch also built a small church. During the British occupation this fort was heavily modified and was used as a prison. 

References

1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, September 29). Tangalle. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 05:51, April 21, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tangalle&oldid=1113086645
2. Ramerini, M. (2019) The Dutch Fort of Tangalle, Sri Lanka, Colonial Voyage. Available at: https://www.colonialvoyage.com/the-dutch-fort-of-tangalle-sri-lanka/ (Accessed: April 21, 2023).

Also See

• Forts and Fortifications of Sri Lanka
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of  Tangalle fort

Driving Directions to Tangalle fort

Route from Colombo to Tangalle fort

Through : Southern Highway – Matara Distance :200km Travel time : 3.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map