Flag Rock Bastion — Attraction in Galle

In the 16th century, the Portuguese constructed a small outpost upon this large and natural cliff. It was the Dutch who developec it as a bastion byConcordia, fortification walls. A tall mast was erected on this bastion, on whie the Ditch lag vas hoisted, hence the name Flagrock Bastion. The pit in which the mast was crested can stil ba seen on the bastion terrace. This flag was used to signal friendiy incoming vessels to the Calle harbour. Messages were also exchanged between the bastion and ships by firing into the air. It was here that the British built Sri Lanka's first lighthouse in 1840. Constructed out of rat iron, this lighthouse functioned for nearly a century before it was destreyed by an acciiental fire in 1936. The circular foundation cut on the living rock to anchor the base of the itha tower still survives. The remains on the bastion suggest that a 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun was installed in 1943 by the British during the...

A 360 viewpoint. A Beautiful & crowded place.This bastion lies at the southernmost end of the fort and has also been known as Visser’s Hoek and Viaggeklip Bastion in the past. According to J.W. Heide, the Dutch flag had been hoisted here by 1733.

In Gems Cordine’s book Description of Ceylon, it is stated that in 1796 the British flag was hoisted here.

In 1848 the first lighthouse in the island of Sri Lanka had been constructed here. The light had been powered by kerosene oil and gas. It had been destroyed by fire around 1930.

Today this is one of the most popular places for tourists to catch the sun sinking beneath the sea over the horizon and during day time you can find a group of local daredevil group jumping off the bastion in the rocky waters below for entertainment of...

Jutting out into the ocean, Flag Rock lies at the southernmost tip of Galle Fort and once used to be an imposing Portuguese bastion. Nowadays, its crumbling walls and prominent clifftop location make it a popular place to watch the sunset. The views are breathtakingly beautiful as the sun dips into the ocean. As numerous street vendors roll up around this time, it is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the laidback yet lively atmosphere. In addition to this, it is also worth heading here earlier in the day; you can often see local cliff divers hurling themselves into the...