Dutch Fort of Jaffna, Jaffna Overview

Standing erect since 1618, under the rule of the Portuguese, once the Dutch fort of Asia, the Dutch fort of Jaffna is a monument that recalls the events that took place ever since, and the role that the fort played. Being passed on from ruler to the other the fort today stands with its ruins.

The fort was taken over by the Dutch in the year of 1658, who then under their rule renovated and expanded both the interiors and the premises of the fort. From the year of 1795 till the year of 1948, the fort was under the British rule and was mainly used as an army base for the troops. For nine years from 1986, to 1955, the fort was attacked and brought down to ruins. After the attack, the Sri Lankan government with the Dutch funds has been reconstructing the fort.

The magnificent fort today has been a witness to not only the independence of the country but also how the country was passed on from one ruler to the other and then finally stood on its own. The fort comprises of the Governor’s house or the King’s house, Queen’s house, Kruys Church, The Garrison Parade Ground, The Police quarters and various rooms and houses from the Portuguese era. The fort is now a heritage hotel open for visitors to come and explore its walls and learn more about not only the fort’s history but about the country’s history as well.

Architechture of Dutch Fort

Initially built by the Portuguese, the fort has a Dutch architecture, as the Dutch renovated it in 1658. Both its interiors and premises were expanded and restored by the Dutch. Even today one can see the Dutch architectural design in the fort through its walls and the various rooms it has such as the Governor’s or the King’s house, the Queen’s house and much more.

Timings of Dutch Fort

The timings of the fort are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The fort is open all week for the visitors. Though the schedules might differ in case of holidays, and on some national holidays, the fort might be closed as well for visitation.

Entry Fee for Dutch Fort

No payment of any kind is required to enter the premises of the fort as the entry of the fort is free and thus is open to visitors of all ages.

History of Dutch Fort

The fort was built in 1618, by the Portuguese. It was known as The Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão It was then renovated and expanded by the Dutch in 1658, and the fort came to be known as the Dutch fort of Asia.

The British then took over the fort in 1795, and it was under their command until 1948. The British mainly used the fort as an army base. After independence, the fort has become one of Sri Lanka’s monuments. The fort withheld an attack from 1986 until 1955, but the government, along with the Dutch fund, has been restoring the architecture of the palace.