Jaffna Fort
யாழ்ப்பாணக் கோட்டை
A five-pointed star-shaped coastal fortress first built by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Dutch. It is the second-largest colonial fort in Sri Lanka.
The fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1618. In 1680 the Dutch remodeled it into the five-pointed star bastion that stands today, with thick walls and an outer moat. It was damaged in several places during the civil war, and the Dutch church and other buildings survive only as ruins. In recent years it has been restored with Dutch funding. You can walk the full circuit of the walls and look down over Jaffna Lagoon and the fishing boats. Admission is free. Some areas are still used by the military and are off-limits. The sun is strong during the day, so visit toward evening. The fort is within walking distance of the Public Library.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Jaffna Public Library
- Jaffna Market
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna
- Jaffna Archaeological Museum
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Mantri Manai & Yamuna Eri
- Kantarodai Stupas
- Charty Beach