Colombo Fort

Discover the Capital

Colombo Fort is the business district of Sri Lanka with skyscrapers and big international hotels. The Fort was built by the Portuguese and partly by the Dutch, then the British later took control. In 1870, the British destroyed the Fort for urban development, and then they rebuilt some of the remaining buildings within it now. Colombo Fort is home to the Fort Railway Station, the President’s House and the Presidential Gardens, a palatial neo-classical building which was originally the home of the British Governors and is now the residence of Sri Lanka’s President.

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Colombo Fort is a fascinating destination that seamlessly blends centuries of colonial history with the vibrancy of a modern commercial hub. As the central business district of Sri Lanka’s capital, this neighborhood offers visitors a walk through time, tracing the footsteps of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

## A History Etched in Stone

The name **”Fort”** is a direct reference to the heavily fortified port city that once stood here.

* **Portuguese & Dutch Legacy:** Starting with the Portuguese in the 16th century, the area was repeatedly fortified, culminating in a large, octagonal fortress built by the Dutch. This was a true walled city, protected by bastions and a surrounding lake.
* **British Demolition:** The physical ramparts were demolished by the British in the late 19th century to make way for urban and commercial development, giving rise to the grid of colonial-era streets you see today.

Modern Day Fort: The Financial Hub

Today, Colombo Fort is the financial nerve center of Sri Lanka. Towering modern structures stand shoulder-to-shoulder with impeccably preserved colonial buildings, creating a striking contrast.

Must-See Architectural Gems

A self-guided walking tour reveals the district’s most iconic landmarks:

* **Old Colombo Lighthouse & Clock Tower:** Located at the junction of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha, this landmark once served as both a time-keeper and a navigational light. Though the light was decommissioned in 1952, the tower remains a beautiful piece of architecture.
* **Old Dutch Hospital:** Considered one of the oldest buildings in the Fort area, this 17th-century structure has been beautifully restored into a trendy precinct housing upscale restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops—a perfect spot for a meal or a rest.
* **Cargills Building:** Look for the imposing red-and-white colonial masterpiece on York Street, a landmark that speaks to the area’s history as a major trade and commerce hub.
* **Old Parliament Building:** This neo-classical structure on the waterfront now houses the Presidential Secretariat, standing as a beautiful symbol of the country’s political history.

The Seaside Stroll

Bordering the Fort district is the famous **Galle Face Green**. This expansive seaside urban park is the perfect place to unwind, watch a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean, and enjoy local street food from vendors in the evening.

Colombo Fort is more than just a place to visit; it’s a dynamic experience where every street corner tells a story of trade, power, and transformation.