Dutch Fort of Jaffna

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Fort of Jaffna is a colonial building adjacent to the city of Jaffna. Which was used as an fortified place to guard the colonial interests in Jaffna which was a important hub of trade. 


Fort was first built by the Portuguese General Pillippe de Oliveira in 1618 CE after subjugating the Jaffna kingdom. Later it felt to Dutch forces of Rijcklof van Goens im 1698 who enlarged the fort and rebuilt it. It went to British in 1795 and remained so untill 1795.


The Fort has been a important battle ground in Sri Lankan civil war and has been under both the LTTE and the Sri Lanka Army. LTTE has extensively damaged the Fort to prevent it being retaken by Sri Lankan Army.


After the end of Sri Lankan Civil war Jaffna Fort has been renovated and now open to the public. This place can offer you excellent views of the surrounding and the feel of an age gone by.



Fort has been built using coral stones readily available in the area. The Fort is exact pentagonal in shape with 5 bastions in cornors. Futher surrounded by a star shaped moat and walls to provide additional security. The church has housed many ancient monuments includimg a church which have been reduced to just a rubble after the civil war.

























Location: Fort Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

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