The history of the Galle Fort goes back to 1588 when king Rajasinghe I (1581–93) of Sitawaka attacked the Portuguese capital of Colombo forcing them to retreat to Galle, one of the flourishing ports from the ancient times. Here they built a small fort out of palm trees, coral stones and mud. They called it the Santa Cruz and later in 1625, extended it with a watch tower and three bastions and a Fortaleza to guard the harbour. After the Portuguese conceded Galle to Dutch in 1640, the fort was expanded to its current size in 1643 and they called Santa Cruz the “Black Fort” or ” Zwart Fort” ( Zwart Bastian). Why this Bastian was called the Black Fort is debatable, while some believe this was due the continuous thick curls of smoke emanating from cannons and guns in the Bastian and others believe that the name is due to being the location used as the holding cell for African slaves brought to the island by the Dutch. Around 2000-2001, a section of the Black Fort, and on top of it, a number of ancient prison cells collapsed and a section of the Sailors Bastion was washed out, due to high seas. The Sailors Bastion is the only one, which is not protected by coral reefs. It was therefore vulnerable for high waves. The Central Cultural Fund (CCF) undertook conservation works and in 2006 funded by Netherlands and now has been completed. The official residence of the Senior DIG of police for Southern Province and his office is located inside this ancient Black Fort. Ealier you had to take special permission of the DIG’s office to access this site. But now this site is open to the public. A foot path has been built across the DIG’s office land with sign boards towards the fort.

This is an old Fort built by the Portuguese in 1625 using the material collected from the neighbouring villages subject to renovations at several intervals. This is the strongest part of the Galle Fort. The Portuguese Smithy where the weapons were manufactured was located here and the charcoal smoke blackened the walls. When the Dutch took over, they called it the Zwart Fort or 'Black Fort. Its original Portuguese name was Fortaleza. The Black Fort has features of a real Portuguese fortress including tunnels, secret cubicles, masonry work constructed at different strategic points. Here, the openings on the lower terrain indicate that they were meant for the eight cannons placed in the direction of the Port. The upper levels of the curved ramparts connect to the lower levels by a subterranean passage plastered and white-washed, making room for any soldier to comfortably get at the lower levels. This bastion has several masonry entry points now surrounded by recent additional constructions. The outer wall of the bastion is built of coral stone using lime and sand as binding material. The Black Bastion emphasises the antiquity and the features of the oldest and strongest construction of the Fortaleza form of the Portuguese part of this magnificent monument.

This is a part of the Galle dutch port. But most of the visitors do not visit this place because they are not aware of it or do not know how to get there. This place is located adjacent to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG-Police) office . So there is a police post prior to this place. Just ask for their permission, and they will guide you to this area. No prior approval or reservation is required. However, on weekdays, the place might be busy. Once you get there, you can go through an old tunnel and arrive at the open area. There is no such experience you can get in the other parts of this Dutch fort. A few artifacts are also displayed. The view from this location is picturesque. Don't miss this place.

The history of the fortified city of Galle starts with the arrival of the Portuguese in the island of Sri Lanka at the beginning of the 16th century.in 1505 a group of Portuguese sailors led by Don Lorenzo de Almeida, son of Francesco de Almeida, arrived in the island. They built the first fortification in Galle on a cliff, jutting out into the sea. It was called the Swart Bastion or the Black Fort.

The Black Fort is accessible via an entrance with an armed guard (see pictures). This is the case because a part of the fort is still in use, though for different official purposes. When we were there (signs show the way within the Fort), the caretaker took us on a spontaneous and quick tour around the place, including what was previously the gunpowder storage bunker - turned into a secret meeting chamber during British rule, the blacksmithing rooms (ostensibly where the black smoke gave rise to the fort's name), the casemates with a concealed tunnel leading straight into Galle in times of distress, and the officer accommodation - now the accommodation of the caretaker. This was an enjoyable and informative tour from a clearly enthusiastic caretaker who is unimposing and interested to earn a bit of a tip on the side by sharing his interest in the Fort. I would recommend you do it if you are already touring Galle Fort.

Swartz bastion (black fort) is a hidden gem inside the DIG of police premises. But it's open for public visits. You just need to inquire. Well preserved, it has prison cells, guard rooms, gun powder stores, guns pointed at 3 directions and a tunnel to go down to the ground level. It was nearly empty, and the sight of the harbor is beautiful. It has an interesting history as well. Lorenzo De Almeda's first arrival spot is so close to the gun platform. A must visit in the Galle fort!

Must visit place i galle.. Awesome scenarios

Sun shining in the morning

The first landing site by the Portuguese. The area represents three eras. There are constructions built by the Portuguese , Dutch and british

Most historical place in Galle. I do love and know about this place very well .

This is a historical landmark in galle. It was named Fortaliza by Portugese in around 1510 but later changed into Black Fort by English as the whole building was in black colour due to the blacksmith workshop there, which produced the weapons for the Portugese army. Later, the building was converted into a prison. The escape tunnel, rolling gate, guard rooms, and cannons manifest important war startergies they had used in the past. The view from the place is splendid. There is a museum inside the black fort related to guns that were made in the past. However, the museum is closed on Mondays according to the information we got

Galle black fort, well known as Old Dutch Fort Galle is a UNESCO world heritage. This is the biggest Fort built by Dutch( Netherlands) in Asia. Surrounded by Indian ocean this give you an epic view. Galle International cricket Stadium located opposit by here.

The black fort is a specific bastion of Galle fort. It is the place where the Portuguese constructed on a cliff a little stone fortress. Therefore it incorporates one of the oldest remains of Sri Lankan colonial architecture. This tiny little spot is full of history and the current Galle Fort was an expansion of this tiny settlement. The black fort provides a beautiful view of the Galle's bay. The black fort is also the official residence of the Senior DIG of Police for the Southern Province. Therefore it is not a public space where you can enter and roam around as you wish. The best place to view the black fort is to leave Galle Fort from the old gate and walk immediately to the right on the old jetty. From the old jetty you will be able to see the black fort from the outside. Of course it would be nicer to be on top of the black fort. Enjoy its crumbling architecture and enjoy its magnificent vistas!

If you are near Galle, this is definately a good place to spend the late afternoon. There are many historical buildings, and it is a nice walk along the walls of the old fort. Inside the fort are many small streets packed with jewellers, souvenir shops, and restaurents.

Good view on lagoon. You can see Jungle beach from here.

Good place