Galle is a fascinating town with a curious mélange of natural, cultural and historical sights and sounds as well as a temperate vibe. From the beige and turquoise blend of the seaside to the historical buildings spread around the Galle Fort and beyond, this coastal beauty offers a lot by the way of exploration. It is a town worthwhile discovering while you settle into the town’s charming lifestyle at a villa in Galle like such options available at Mosvold Villa for a lengthy holiday.
For those interested in the architecture and history of the town, Groote Kerk (Dutch for ‘Great Church’) will be a fascinating site. Built on top of the peak inside the famous Galle Fort by Dutch colonials in 1755, the church is erected in the shape of a cross (cruciform) and its prominent features include Greek style pillars. The Dutch began construction of the Groote Kerk in 1682 but lack of funds delayed completion for seventy long years until Casparus de Jongwho was the Commandeur of Galle at that time and his wife provided financial assistance.
The exquisitely crafted original hexagon pulpit made of wood and the baptismal stool have survived to this day while history relates that the stained glass window was added much later in the 19th century. According to records, the original wooden ceiling was a thing of beauty resembling an azure sky studded with golden stars. When the church was originally built, architects had added a series of high pews close to the walls for high officials in the Dutch administration but once the British took over they got rid of some of the pews to make space for an altar as well as a communion rail.
On a slightly melancholic note, Groote Kerk houses tombstones of many European colonizers who passed away in Ceylon during their occupation. While some of these tombstones were erected in the garden some others colonials were laid to rest within the church building.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
