Galle Fort Lighthouse

The Galle Fort Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse situated within the Galle Fort complex in Galle, Sri Lanka.

History

• The Galle Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1588. The fort has undergone extensive reconstruction and renovation over the centuries, with significant contributions from the Dutch during the 17th century. Today, the fort remains a testament to its rich history, with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.

Architecture

The Galle Fort Lighthouse is a service building constructed as a lighthouse. It features an octagonal tower with a dome-shaped roof, standing at a height of 39.48 meters (129.8 feet). The focal height of the lighthouse is not specified in available data.

Light Characteristics

Unfortunately, no information on the light characteristics of the Galle Fort Lighthouse, including its pattern and range, is available.

Current Status

The Galle Fort Lighthouse is currently a museum, although it was previously an active aid to navigation. The fort has undergone restoration work following damage caused by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

Location and Accessibility

The Galle Fort Lighthouse is located within the Rampart Street area of the Galle Fort complex in Galle, Sri Lanka. Visitors can access the lighthouse as part of a guided tour of the fort.

Heritage Status

The Galle Fort, including the Galle Fort Lighthouse, has been recognized for its cultural and historical significance by UNESCO. The site was inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv in 2014.

Notable Historical Events

The Galle Fort withstood the devastating Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, which damaged part of the coastal Galle town. The fort has since been restored and continues to be an important historical landmark in Sri Lanka.