The Dutch held Sri Lanka for approximately 150 years from the mid-17th Century, and whilst they left over 200 years ago their influence on the architecture can still be seen and felt. It is most evident in the coastal towns, especially Galle where the iconic Galle Fort stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dutch architecture on the island blended European design with local materials and climate considerations, the result was structures with thick walls, open verandas and large windows to cool the buildings, with key elements such as gabled roofs, courtyards and intricate wooden details for more aesthetic purposes.
The enduring influence of the Dutch has carried over in to more recent buildings, including these days, many new-build villas. You can spot Dutch design features in many of our villas and houses listings.
Photo shows the Old Dutch Hospital in Galle Fort and was taken by Nilantha Sanjeewa