Star Fort

Matara, Sri Lanka

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Star Fort in Matara, Sri Lanka, was built by the Dutch in 1765 after they recaptured the area from the Kingdom of Kandy. Its unique six-pointed star shape was designed to provide strategic defense, allowing cannons to cover all approaches from land and sea.

The fort features thick coral and granite walls, a surrounding moat, and facilities such as gunpowder storage, barracks, and a well for water supply. Originally constructed to protect the main fort and withstand attacks, it never saw major combat but served as a military outpost and deterrent.

Today, it stands as a well-preserved historical site with a small museum that offers insights into its colonial past and architecture, making it a notable cultural landmark in Matara. The fort's design and inscriptions reflect Dutch colonial heritage, and it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Sri Lanka’s history.