Dutch fort

The Dutch fort in Halle has a long history. It all began in the early sixteenth century, when a lost Portuguese ship arrived in Galle. Seeing the strategic importance of this place, the Portuguese built a fortress here, which was called Santa Cruz Fortaleza. A few decades later, the Dutch liked Galle and did not like the presence of the Portuguese. As a result of a short siege, the fortress of Santa Cruz Fortaleza was surrendered, and Galle passed into the possession of Holland.

In order to strengthen their position, the Dutch turned the fortress into a fort, behind the walls of which grew a whole city. The fort has survived to this day and today is the main attraction of Halle.