Fort Rotterdam
Benteng Ujung Pandang
Makassar’s most important historic site, a turtle-shaped fortress remodelled by the Dutch in the 17th century, housing the La Galigo Museum.
Fort Rotterdam was originally Ujung Pandang Fort, built by the Kingdom of Gowa. After the Dutch took it in 1667, they rebuilt it in the European bastion style, and seen from above it resembles a sea turtle. Its well-preserved white-walled, red-tiled colonial buildings now house the La Galigo Museum, which displays traditional Bugis and Makassar boat models, costumes and historical documents. The fort sits right on the sea and can be linked on foot with Losari Beach. It opens around 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The museum charges a small admission fee, and entry to the fort generally requires registration or a donation.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (museum may close on Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Makassar City Museum
- Kelenteng Xiang Ma
- Mandala Monument
- 99 Domes Mosque
- Losari Beach
- Tomb of Prince Diponegoro
- Trans Studio Makassar
- Paotere Harbour