Catriona Explores Galle Fort in Sri Lanka | Getaway #9getaway
The city of Gaul sits on the southwestern tip of the island of Sri Lanka. Now, it’s best known for Gaul Fort, a fortified historical town within the city itself. Why does everybody want to control Sri Lanka? Control history wise, it’s basically because of our geographical location. Huh? And of course because we are an island in Southeast Asia, be it for military purpose or for trade purpose, we are strategically located in the right space to connect the two worlds together. Gorge has become a metaphor of Sri Lankan history with ancient Sri Lankan culture colliding with colonial architecture. I mean one of the reasons why this fort is considered to be the largest Dutchbuilt fort here in Southeast Asia is because this this harbor that we are about to see is the harbor that has been active as a international trading harbor for the longest time here in Sri Lanka. [Music] First built in 1588 by the Portuguese as a military outpost and a trading port, the fort has a really colorful history and still today remains a total mix of race and religions. The architecture here is fascinating. There’s so many layers and so many stories. Yeah, the mosque that is right over here is the best. Most people when they look at the building they ask me is this a church that has been converted into a mosque. Not the case at all. It’s just that the people who built it were so inspired by the Dutch architecture in the vicinity they decided to put Christian and Catholic elements into the making of a Muslim mosque. The fort is also home to Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse built by the British. So it’s still in operation that lighthouse very much a functioning lighthouse. And there’s also a team of people still looking after the lighthouse. Yeah. The fact that it’s an English lighthouse, which is the most popular space here inside the Dutch fort. That’s like somebody took a Van Go painting and put an English signature on it, you know. Very cheeky. [Music]
In collaboration with @gallefortwalks9623
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