Old Dutch Hospital — Attraction in Galle

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct in Colombo Fort is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest surviving colonial buildings, dating back to the 1600s when it served as a hospital for the Dutch East India Company’s officers and staff. Restored and reopened in 2011, it is now a vibrant lifestyle and dining hub, blending heritage architecture with modern leisure.

Its two long, low buildings feature thick colonial-era walls, terracotta-tiled roofs, and wide verandas, creating a cool, airy environment even in Colombo’s heat. The open courtyards and shaded walkways make it a pleasant spot for both shopping and relaxation.

Inside, you’ll find boutique stores, souvenir shops, and luxury retailers offering jewelry, handicrafts, tea, and fashion. Dining options range from casual cafés to fine dining, including popular venues like Ministry of Crab, Barefoot, and Heladiv Tea Club. The precinct often hosts live music, cultural events, and seasonal markets, adding to its lively atmosphere.

Located near Colombo’s key attractions—such as the Galle Face Green and the Old Colombo Lighthouse—it’s a favorite for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying a seafood dinner, or simply soaking up the colonial charm, the Dutch Hospital offers a perfect mix of history and...

Charming and quiet place in Galle Fort. You can shop for antiques and other stuff. When you are tired of shopping in the Fort and walking inside the Fort this is a fantastic place to have a meal. There are several restaurants offering a variety of food and beverages - some on ground floor others on first floor. Views of the sea from the first floor are magnificent, to say the least. You can easily spend a few hours here if time is on your side. It is an ideal place to enjoy leisure time alone, with friends or with your family. One can see the harbour, Roomassala Hill, jungle beach, peace pagoda etc in the distance, from first floor. One can also get a glimpse of the open sea at the opposite end of the horizon. Parking is generally adequate. However, during the season it could be a problem. You may have to park in a faraway place and walk - not a bad idea as walking here is quite pleasurable. Never miss this place if you happen to tour the great southern city of Galle...

The old dutch hospital in Galle is one of the oldest buildings inside the historic World Heritage site of the Dutch Fort and dates back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka.

The building depicts 17th century Dutch colonial architecture.

Like many Dutch buildings of that era, the walls made using cabok (coral stone) are 50cm(20inc) thick and massive teak beams can be seen preserved todate. Paved with granite the upper floor is wooden.

The Dutch built it as a hospital and in 1850 the British converted it into a barracks and later used it as an administrator premises. Following Sri Lanka's independence in 1948 it was used as the Galle Town Hall.

In 2014, the building having been restored to it's original state , was developed into a shopping and dining presinct.

A must visit if you are the in the Old Dutch...