HERITAGE RECORD · 451

Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

加勒老城及其堡垒

The official record, selection criteria and sourced cultural context.

World Heritage record

Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Open the official UNESCO record ↗

Wikidata reference

QIDQ15830652 ↗

Administrative areaQ319366

Imported locally from Wikidata; it does not replace the UNESCO record or editorial copy.

Selection criteria

This property was inscribed under the following World Heritage Convention criteria.

(iv)An outstanding example of a building, ensemble or landscape illustrating a significant stage in human history.

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