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Frequently mentioned in reviews: fort (58) Matara (40) Dutch (25) museum (19) small (19) built (16) visit (16) main (14) Fort (14) Star (13)
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  • 5/5 Sudheera S. 1 year ago on Google • 390 reviews
    Well maintained by the Department of Archeology. This beautiful and compact fort (the smallest, built by Ditch in Sri Lanka) was built in 1765 but was shortly handed over to British with surrender of territory in 1796. Purpose of this little fort was to protect the main fort from the attacks coming in from the land/river, following the Matara Rebellion in 1761. British used it as an admin office and was also used as a public library from 1965-1975. The drawbridge was recently renovated with the assistance from Dutch government. It's a beautiful structure resembles a six point start, with an informative museum inside, which is free for public to visit and observe. The visit wouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Parking available for about 10 vehicles. No other facilities like toilets, restaurant, publications sales, etc. are available inside.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ramesh Pramuditha R. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice historical place in Matara. Everyone can enter no fee and if you like you can donate some money.. Located on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River, approximately 350 metres from the gate to the Matara fort. It was constructed by the Dutch and was originally called Redoute Van Eck. After the Rebellion at Matara the Fort was occupied by the Sinhalese.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Akila G. 4 years ago on Google
    Matara is located close to the most southern point of Sri Lanka and its about 170 kilometres away from Colombo. Matara has a history going back over 2000 years but the modern Matara becomes an important city only during the Dutch occupation as it was used as a main port for the exportation of cinnamon and elephants. The dutch completed the main Matara fort around 1640 but found it to be vulnerable from attacks coming from land during the matara rebellion when the Singhalese forces backed by Kandyan Kingdom took hold of the fort in 1762. The dutch managed to take back the fort and built a another on the west bank of the Nilwala River to protect the main fort form attacks originating from the river. Map of Star Fort of Matara Map of Star Fort of Matara Source : Illustrations and views of Dutch Ceylon, 1602-1796 by By Rajpal Kumar De Silva, Willemina G. M. Beumer This Star Fort was built to an unique shape of an six pointed star with space for 12 large cannons to cover approaches from all directions. The fort was surrounded by an deep moat and was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition. It also had a two prison cells and a well in the centre to supply water. On the arch of the main entrance the year 1765 is embossed (year of construction) along with the VOC emblem and the coat of arms of Governor Van Eck. This is said to be the last major defence post built by the Dutch and was never had the chance to prove its effectiveness. The fort was handed over to the British with the surrender of the Sri Lankan territory by them. The British used it as a residence for government officials and as a library until recently.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Hasitha S. 1 year ago on Google • 90 reviews
    Matara is located close to the most southern point of Sri Lanka and its about 170 kilometres away from Colombo. Matara has a history going back over 2000 years but the modern Matara becomes an important city only during the Dutch occupation as it was used as a main port for the exportation of cinnamon and elephants. The dutch completed the main Matara fort around 1640 but found it to be vulnerable from attacks coming from land during the matara rebellion when the Singhalese forces backed by Kandyan Kingdom took hold of the fort in 1762. The dutch managed to take back the fort and built a another on the west bank of the Nilwala River to protect the main fort form attacks originating from the river.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DP THELIJJAWILA SAHAN HASANKA. L. 2 years ago on Google • 43 reviews
    *Matara star fort -❤ 🕯️ The Star Box is an unusual construction with an attractive appearance. The box has twelve sides because it is shaped like a six-pointed star.✨️ Bridge - You have to go through the moat to the entrance of the fort. It is a two-part wooden bridge. One part is fixed and the other part is raised by a lever. It also acts as an additional door that closes when you lift it up.🎉️🎉️ The arched entrance with two large pillars exemplifies Dutch architecture. Very attractive place for both local and foreign tourist. Martha Fort is sort of an administrative district🎖️️🎖️️. The court is situated their as well as the election commission and the Divisional secretariat. You can also go farther to see where the river Nilwala meets the sea. There is a fishing harbour at that point as well. Very tidy small fort with some interesting info inside on Matara and surrounding area. Free of charge and definitely well worth a look if your in Matara.🎖️🪔
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 දිනූෂ �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Matara Fort After the Matara Rebellion in 1761, it belonged to the Sinhalese. In 1762, the Dutch regained control of the Matara fort. In 1763, the Matara Fort was built as a defensive structure in the shape of a star. AD Construction of the Star Fort began in 1763. Completed in 1765. Under Governor Redwood Van, Orukema Muhandiram was in charge of construction. The Star Fortress was used to house small Dutch troops. A moat has been built around the fort and there is a removable bridge to cross it. Upon entering through the arched main entrance, there are again two similar doors and rooms inside. There is also a well in the center of the fort. Star Fort In 1796 it came under British rule. It has been a monument taken over by the Department of Archeology since 1980. (Original) මාතර කොටුව ක්‍රි.ව. 1761 දී මාතර කැරැල්‍‍ලෙන් පසුව සිංහලයන්ට අයත් වූ අතර ක්‍රි.ව. 1762 දී නැවත මාතර කොටු‍වේ බලය තහවුරු කරගත් ලන්දේසීන් ක්‍රි.ව. 1763 දී මාතර ‍කොටුව ආරක්ෂක ඉදිකිරීමක් ‍ලෙස තාරකාවක ස්වරූප‍යෙන් යුතු තාරකා කොටුව නිර්මාණය කරවා ඇත. ක්‍රි.ව. 1763 දී ඉදි කිරීම් ආරම්භ කළ තාරකා කොටුව ක්‍රි.ව. 1765 දී නිම කර ඇත. රිඩවුට් වෑන් ආණ්ඩුකාරවරයා යට‍තේ, ඔරු‍කෙම මුහන්දිරම් නැමැත්‍‍තෙක් ඉදි කිරීම් භාරව කටුයතු කර ඇත. කුඩා ලන්දේසි භට කණ්ඩායම් නවතා තැබීමට තාරකා ‍කොටුව භාවිත කර ඇත. කොටුව ව‍ටේ දිය අගලක් ඉදිකර ඇති අතර ඉන් එතෙරවීමට ඉවත් කළ හැකි පාලමක් ඇත. ආරුක්කු සහිත ප්‍රධාන ‍දොරටු‍වෙන් ඇතුළු වූ පසු නැවත එවැනි ම දොරටු දෙකක් ද ඇතුළත කාමර ද පිහිටා ඇත. ‍කොටුව මධ්‍යයේ ළිඳක් ද ඇත. තාරකා කොටුව ක්‍රි.ව. 1796 දී බ්‍රිතාන්‍ය පාලනය යටතට පත්වී ඇත. 1980 සිට පුරාවිද්‍යා ‍දෙපාර්ත‍‍මේන්තුවට පවරාගත් ස්මාරකයක්සේ පවතී.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ayubowan T. 4 years ago on Google
    Very important place in matara.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amila K. 4 years ago on Google
    n 1640 the Dutch completed the main fort at Matara but found it to be vulnerable from attacks coming from land. In 1762 Singhalese forces backed by Kandyan Kingdom attacked and took control of the fort.[1] In 1763 the Dutch regained control of the fort and that year commenced construction of another smaller fort on the east bank of the Nilwala River, in order to protect the main fort from attacks originating from the river. The Star Fort was built to a unique shape of a six pointed star with space for 12 large cannons to cover approaches from all directions. The glacis or outer wall is approximately 7.5 metres (25 ft) wide and is surrounded by a 6 metres (20 ft) wide and 3.1 metres (10 ft) deep moat.[1] The rampart walls of the fort are constructed out of granite rock and coral, and are 14 feet (4.3 m) in width.[1] The fort was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition to withstand an attack before being re-inforced from the main fort. The fort also had a two prison cells and a 2.75 metres (9.0 ft) diameter well in its centre to supply water.[1] The drainage system was internal and disposed of the water collected from the monsoon rains to the moat. The date of construction (1765) is embossed over the main gate with the Dutch East India Company insignia and the coat of arms of the governor flanked by two rampart lions. The entrance gate of the Star Fort, which is faced with coral, is also emblazoned "Redoute Van Eck 1763", commemorating the Dutch Governor of Ceylon, Lubbert Jan baron van Eck (1719 - 1765). The roof of the building originally was roofed with cadjan leaves, which were later replaced with clay tiles. The fort is said to be the last major defence post built by the Dutch but never had the chance to prove its effectiveness. In 1796 the fort was handed over to the British with the surrender of the Sri Lankan territory by the Dutch. The British used it as an administrative office and in 1965 it was used as a library until 1975 when it was acquired by the Department of Archeology.[1] The fort has subsequently been restored and currently houses a museum, which showcases the history of Matara.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Supem W. 3 months ago on Google • 135 reviews New
    Historical place which is small but with complete package of Dutch fortress system. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Avarjana P. 8 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Historical place which is free to visit. Architecture is fascinating to think of at that time. There is a museum and staff will explain things if you ask. Photography inside the museum is not allowed. You should visit the place if you’re at Matara.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dhanushka L. 2 years ago on Google
    Historic place to visit. They don't allow to take photos inside of the museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kris R. 6 years ago on Google
    Probably the best preserved dutch fort in sri lanka. Located within the city centre it is within easy walking distance to/from most places including the train station. Entrance is free for the museum and donations are much needed. Lovely intimate courtyard with a small well is the most intersting of all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Роман �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place is interesting, but the visit took 5 minutes. There's nothing longer to do there (Original) Место интересное, но посещение заняло 5 минут. Дольше там делать нечего
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nethmee A. 1 year ago on Google • 29 reviews
    The department of archaeology is in charge of the historical location known as Star Fort Matara. Inside the fort is a little museum as well, maybe Sri Lanka's best-preserved Dutch fort. The museum welcomes donations, but entrance is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Akash B. 4 years ago on Google
    Small little attraction in the city. Has a museum walkthrough with exhibits and translations. Don't expect to spend more that 10-20m here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tharushika d. 4 years ago on Google
    It's like a star. But it's a fort.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jesmine F. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place I have ever seen
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eskay W. 3 years ago on Google
    Matara star fort. A star fort was built as a first line of defence by dutch in 1763 but never was tested until it surrenders to british It has six sides . Each 48 ft in length. 13 ft tall and 20 ft wide on top. The fort had 12 cannons and a 20ft wide moat surrounded it . It had A bridge over the Mort of which a part could be lifted to cover the entrance door. Please like the review if it helped
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 keshani k. 3 years ago on Google
    "Star fort" it's an important place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dinindu U. 5 years ago on Google
    It is a small museum at the center of the town. This place is well maintained by the authorities. Hidden beauty in the town
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sara S. 6 years ago on Google
    Historical place.Although it is old has managed well.The staff is very friendly and well known about the history.They always ready to tell the history of matara.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janeth F. 2 months ago on Google • 245 reviews New
    Well maintained. They don’t issue tickets. Its free of charge but we can do a donation for them. They explained the historical things that they have inside their small museum.

  • 4/5 Oleh L. 2 years ago on Google • 230 reviews
    Nothing special, it’s not worth going specially, only if you are in Matara. Staff prohibit taking pictures in the museum. What for? I don't know.

  • 4/5 Iroshan R. 1 year ago on Google • 214 reviews
    This is a small old fort from the colonial era situated in the Matara town. You could cover the whole building within an hour. A staff member really helped us explaining the history and other details. Entrance is free but you can make a small donation if you wish. There are some interesting items on display so worth a visit if you have some time.

  • 5/5 Dilupa H. 4 years ago on Google • 98 reviews
    A well kept historical place managed by the department of archaeology. The staff here is helpful and extremely knowledgeable about their stuff. No olastic or polythene allowed inside. Such items could be kept at the guard room and could be collected later. Clean washrooms are also available there.

  • 5/5 Niraj t. 1 year ago on Google
    Ancient fort where exist a musium. Anyone can visit between office time 8.30 to 17:00 in week days. Dutch have made that fort. Really nice one

  • 5/5 Дмитрий �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting facts, a lot of historical objects, coins are generally super! (Original) Очень любопытные факты, много исторических предметов, монеты вообще супер!

  • 3/5 Hans S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Closes at 4 p.m. (Original) Sluit om 16u

  • 5/5 Derron D. 4 years ago on Google
    Dutch historical place. A collection of great information and artifacts found from Dutch Era. Renovated and open to public. 10-15 mintues tour.

  • 5/5 Pawan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Ferfect

  • 5/5 Pasan mihidu V. 3 years ago on Google
    nice place

  • 3/5 Zeynep A. 1 year ago on Google
    Not a special things but if you are close, good to visit. Entering is free, they are asking you donation. We walked around one guide from there, he had good English and explaines every thing to us. It was really nice.

  • 5/5 Pubudu S. 4 years ago on Google
    Museum of southern province

  • 5/5 Isira S. 3 years ago on Google
    There's a Must See Museum inside and nice architecture

  • 4/5 Brayden J. 4 years ago on Google
    Very tidy small fort with some interesting info inside on Matata and surrounding area. Free of charge and definately well worth a look if your in Matara.

  • 4/5 L.L. Gihan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Star Fort Matara is a historical place managed by the department of archaeology. The staff here is friendly and helpful. They have a good knowledge about the place. There is a small museum also located inside the fort.

  • 5/5 Chamila A. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice archaeological monument for quck visit, in the city center

  • 4/5 Kasun C. 3 years ago on Google
    The most important thing here is not the fort. 4000 years old human skeleton. "මැණික් හාමි".

  • 5/5 Veranga Dias Wickramanayaka K. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely old Dutch colonial fort.This place is small but packed with historic energy. You can take pictures outside but in the museum no pictures are permitted, even though I was the only person there and clearly taking pictures would have harmed nothing. OK I said and finished up the visit. You can go onto the rooftop and battlements, that’s fun. There were even two special forces military with AK-47s on the battlements, very exciting. The fort is worth spending 20 minutes if your near and it’s free. The Dutch built this star shaped fort in 1765 on the Eastern Banks of Nilwala river as the Matara fort was vulnerable to attacks.The fort built to house a small garrison has space for 12 large cannons directed to fend away attacks from all directions.Built 350 meters away from the entrance to Matara fort it is surrounded by a moat and has a well in the middle to supply water for its inmates.

  • 4/5 Ceylon Beauty T. 3 years ago on Google
    It' s Historical

  • 3/5 Nevena S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very small old Dutch fort. There is a museum of kind inside - two rooms displaying local archaeological artifacts, not much information in English. It was free.

  • 5/5 Gamini Kamal de S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Old Orlando design. Currently the Department of Archeology is in possession. Located in the city center of Matara, opposite the Matara General Hospital. It is an ideal and important place to visit. (Original) පැරණි ඔීලන්ද නිර්මාණයකි. දැනට පුරා විද්‍යා දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව සතුව අැත. මාතර නගර මධ්‍යයේ, මාතර මහ රෝහල ඉදිරිපිට පිහිටා අැත. නැරඹීමට ඉතා සුදුසු හා වැදගත් ස්ථානයකි.

  • 5/5 Hansani M. 3 years ago on Google
    This fort was built by the Dutch to compensate for deficiencies in the neighbouring rampart, but it’s so small it could only have protected a handful of bureaucrats. Look out for the construction date (1765) embossed over the main gate, along with VOC insignia and the coat of arms of the governor of the day. Inside there's a small museum with modest displays about the history of Matara, and you can view former soldiers' sleeping quarters and prisoners' cells. Look for the two carved lions that guard the entrance gates and then stroll the mini-ramparts, complete with cannon stations.

  • 4/5 Amali P. 3 years ago on Google
    The Star Fort is a fort in Matara, Sri Lanka, located on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River, approximately 350 metres (1,150 ft) from the gate to the Matara fort. It was constructed by the Dutch in 1765, and was originally called Redoute Van Eck. Historical place. Suddenly visit. Good

  • 4/5 PKAC K. 3 years ago on Google
    Historical

  • 1/5 Sithara D. 3 years ago on Google
    A Historical Place.

  • 5/5 Hiran R. 4 years ago on Google
    A dutch for in Matara, very close by to the Matara town. Its a small place with a museum inside. Interesting!!

  • 2/5 Desmon L. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a bit boring

  • 4/5 Manjula Hemantha W. 3 years ago on Google
    Pls note that this place close after 4PM

  • 4/5 Nirushan P. 4 years ago on Google
    30 minutes can be spent here. Nothing more. It's kind of a museum now

  • 5/5 Fahad A. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to v6

  • 3/5 Prasanna R. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical place

  • 4/5 LOOP W. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Dhanushka M. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely ancient place to visit in Matara, where you can see water barriers to prevent unauthorised entry.

  • 5/5 Lakshan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Ancient

  • 5/5 MR D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Jhh (Original) Jhh

  • 4/5 Nisansala M. 4 years ago on Google
    Well preserved and maintained small dutch fort in matara town.has a museum containing valuble history including a 4000yr old skeleton. Very useful to students and travellers. Washrooms available in the fort. Free to enter. The staff is very helpful

  • 5/5 Savindu B. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical place. Suddenly visit. Good


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    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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