Mannar Dutch Fort — Attraction in Northern Province

The Mannar Dutch Fort, also known as Mannar Fort or Mannar Island Fort, is a historical fortification located on Mannar Island in the Mannar District of Sri Lanka. It is situated off the northwest coast of the country.

The fort was constructed during the colonial era when the Portuguese, Dutch, and British had control over various parts of Sri Lanka. The exact date of construction is uncertain, but it is believed to have been built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later captured and renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century.

The Mannar Dutch Fort was strategically positioned to guard the coastline and the important maritime routes in the region. It served as a defensive structure and a center of administrative control during the colonial period.

The fort's architectural style reflects the influence of the Dutch colonial period. It features a rectangular shape with solid walls made of coral and limestone. Within the fort complex, there are remnants of buildings, wells, and other structures that were once part of the colonial settlement.

Today, the Mannar Dutch Fort stands as a significant historical site and tourist attraction in Mannar. While it has suffered damage over the years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore parts of the fort, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and enjoy panoramic views of the...

Mannar Fort, situated on Mannar Island in northern Sri Lanka, is a square-shaped fortification with a rich history reflecting the island's colonial past. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1560, the fort was subsequently captured and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1696, and finally occupied by the British in 1795. This succession of colonial powers transformed the fort's architecture, creating a blended style that speaks to its turbulent history. Built with coral blocks and bricks, the fort features four prominent bastions, thick walls, and the remnants of a moat, showcasing European military design. Despite enduring centuries of conflict, including its use during Sri Lanka's civil war, the fort's robust outer structure remains largely intact. However, the buildings within its walls, such as a chapel and barracks, have fallen into ruin. Today, the Department of Archaeology oversees the site, allowing visitors to walk along the ramparts for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding lagoon and the causeway that links Mannar Island to the mainland. Though its heyday as a profitable center for the pearl fishery has long passed, Mannar Fort stands as a poignant historical treasure, offering insights into the region's military and economic significance throughout the...

On the southern tip of Mannar Island, just outside of its main town, Mannar Fort offers stunning views over the ocean between itself and the mainland of Sri Lanka. The square-shaped fort was built in the mid-16th century by the Portuguese, but it was captured by the Dutch in 1658. The Dutch made no changes to the building once it was in their possession other than to reinforce it from further attacks.

In 1795, the Dutch surrendered to the British, and the fort was subsequently occupied by British forces.

The fort bastions reach a height of around 3.5 meters, with thick walls that measure approximately 1.5 meters, and ramparts that stretch for a length of approximately 14.5 meters each.

The fort turned a tidy profit from the practice of pearl fishery within its waters, but the depletion of the area’s pearl oysters led to a decline of the structure’s old grandeur.

It is currently occupied by Sri Lanka’s Department of Archeology. The remains of what looks to be a church can be found within the fort’s walls, as well as two watchtowers that stand at...