Mannar Portuguese & Dutch Fort

What is this site?

Square coastal fortress with four corner bastions, constructed of coral and limestone blocks on Mannar Island guarding the historic Gulf of Mannar pearl fishery.

Why it matters

Controlled maritime trade routes and the lucrative ancient pearl banks between northwestern Sri Lanka and the Coromandel Coast of India.

Description

Built by the Portuguese under Constantino de Bragança in 1560; captured and reconstructed by the Dutch in 1658; surrendered to the British in 1795. Associated patrons (as supplied): Portuguese Empire, Dutch East India Company. Key features to look for: Square perimeter rampart walls built from massive coral-stone blocks; Corner artillery bastions overlooking the Indian Ocean causeway; Arched Dutch gateway showing preserved stonework joints; Remains of the VOC chapel and cemetery within the courtyard.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazetted National Protected Monument

Visiting responsibly

Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.

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