Star Fort (Matara, Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka / Matara / Matara, Sri Lanka / Dharmapala Mawatha
 museum, star fort
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The Star Fort was built in 1763. The walls were originally protected by banks of earth, 8 meters wide, and between these banks and the walls was a moat, which was spanned by a drawbridge to give access to the gate. The earth has since filled up the moat. Within the walls is a ring of low buildings that could hold ammunition, provisions and a small garrison. In the centre of the ring of buildings is a well for drinking water. The fort has a decorated gate with a monogram of the VOC and the words 'Redoute van Eck'. Below it is van Eck's coat of arms, flanked by two lions. After it had fallen into disrepair the fort has recently been completely renovated and now houses a museum.
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Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forts_of_Sri_Lanka#Star_fort
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Coordinates:   5°56'53"N   80°32'54"E
This article was last modified 9 years ago