Matara Fort: A Walk Through Dutch Colonial Sri Lanka

Built in 1645 to control the lucrative cinnamon trade, Matara Fort remains one of Sri Lanka's most intact colonial fortifications, featuring:

• Original 3-meter-thick walls made of local granite and coral limestone
• Massive arched gateway with Dutch VOC insignia
• St. Mary's Church (1767) - oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka
• Underground storerooms where cinnamon was kept

Step Back in Time: What to Explore

1. The Ramparts Walk

• 360° ocean views from the bastions
• Original cannons still in position
• Best photo spot: Sunset over the lighthouse

2. Historic Buildings Inside

• Dutch Governor's Residence (Now Matara Museum)
• Cinnamon Warehouse with massive teak beams
• Explosives Magazine (Safe storage design)

3. St. Mary's Church

• Baroque-style pulpit from 1767
• Ship's timber used in ceiling construction
• Dutch gravestones in the courtyard

Fascinating Facts

• The fort's design mirrors Amsterdam's defensive systems
• Walls were built angled to deflect cannonballs
• Contains original Dutch land deeds in the museum
• The oldest frangipani tree in Sri Lanka grows here (planted 1750)

Visitor Information

• Location: Matara town center (Next to bus station)
• Hours: 8:30AM-4:30PM (Museum closed Fridays)
• Entry: Free (Museum $2)
• Walking Time: 1-2 hours to explore fully

Nearby Eats:

• Fort Cafe: Dutch-inspired snacks in a colonial building
• Ruhunu Lunch Home: Famous for spicy crab curry

Best Time to Visit

• Morning: Cooler temperatures for wall walks
• Weekdays: Fewer local school groups
• December: Christmas decorations in the church

From Our Guidebook

"Unlike Galle's touristy fort, Matara's version remains refreshingly authentic - you can almost hear the Dutch merchants haggling over cinnamon prices as you walk the quiet lanes." - Prof. Nimal Perera, Colonial Architecture Expert

Book a Colonial History Tour

Want to discover more Dutch heritage? Sri Lanka Tour Help offers:

• Private fort architecture tours
• Cinnamon trade history walks
• Customized south coast heritage itineraries

Contact us to explore living history!