The Dutch fort in Negombo was built by the Portuguese in order to defend the main cities of Sri Lanka. The city has evolved in to a tourist hub that is scattered with beach side restaurants, bars and some popular beach hotels in Sri Lanka. Tourists flock to the city to bask under the golden rays of the sun while sipping on a refreshing drink on the golden sandy beaches of Negombo. Those searching for accommodation would find that properties similar to Amagi Beach Marawila, offers a quiet place to rest and unwind, away from the bustling city.
Although the initial structure built by the Portuguese was believed to be weak, the fort was grounds to numerous invasions and battles over its occupation by the Dutch and the Portuguese in the years that followed. After many attempts, the Dutch finally managed to hold its occupation of the fort in 1672 and rebuilt its structure to hold off further invasions. The reconstruction of the fort was built in a rather unusual shape of a pentagon, as compared to the square structures of the other forts built on the island. Following the British invasion, the fort was used as a prison and at present only a few remains of the structure exist. The Fort was built on an area of land that was guarded by the lagoon on one side and the sea on the other. The premises were outlined by a dry moat which could have been accessed by a drawbridge.
Visitors to the Fort will be able to see the only remaining bits of the Fort which are the entrance that is marked by the arch way and a bell tower that was constructed in honour of Queen Victoria. The tower however is one of the better maintained remnants of the Fort and still manages to stand majestically over its surroundings.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.