Jaffna Fort , Jaffna
About Jaffna Fort
Jaffna Fort, the second biggest Dutch fort built in Sri Lanka, is an archaeological monument, situated on the South side of the Jaffna peninsula. The layout of this fort resembles a geometrically regular pentagon and consists of the defense works built of high ramparts and bastions. There is a deep and a wide moat surrounding it, the shape of which resembles a star. This fort is the only fort in Sri Lanka whose inner defense walls resembles a geometrically regular pentagon.
The Jaffna Fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 1619. It was later rebuilt and expanded by the Dutch in 17th and 18th century to boost the trading activities of Sri Lanka. It is because of this reason that it is known as a Dutch Fort. This fort holds many buildings which are of great architectural significance. The Fort is a major example of how a place with such less outer ornamentations can achieve architectural importance with just the right proportions between the interior as well as the exteriors.
Having a dominating façade, it is a very prominent structure in the area. Most of the original structure has been destroyed due to the wars ravaging in the area and only a little of the architecture still remains.
A must visit place, to experience the great history and architecture of the Jaffna Fort!
Location & Places to Visit on Jaffna Fort Map
View destinations and attractions nearby Jaffna Fort, on an interactive map.
Freedom to make your own trip!
What you want, when you want and how you want.
Places to Visit near Jaffna Fort
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Northern Province
3.9 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Nallur Kandaswamy temple, standing in the town of Nallur, Jaffna is a very important Hindu temple located in Sri Lanka. This temple is...
Read more
Kandarodai, Northern Province
11.6 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
Kantharodai Viharaya is a place where you can spot the famous dagobas (stupas) in a town which is famous for its Hindu architecture. Located near...
Read more
Nilavarai Bottomless Well, Northern Province
15.8 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
As suggested by its name, Nilavarai Bottomless Well is famous for being bottomless, though it is not literally bottomless. It is just called so...
Read more
Keerimalai Hot Springs, Northern Province
19.6 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Keerimalai Hot Spring is a natural spring lying on the northern coats of Jaffna, next to the weat sea of Palaly. A bathing tank is built...
Read more
Naguleswaram Temple, Northern Province
19.7 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Naguleswaram Temple located close the Keerimalai Hot Spring, is also called as Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil. This temple is dedicated to Lord...
Read more
Dambakola Patuna Sangamiththa Temple, Northern Province
20.5 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Damakola Patuna is a very significant Buddhist religious destination, which is also called as Jambukola Patuna. It is an ancient port in the...
Read more
Casuarina Beach, Jaffna, Northern Province
21.5 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
Considered as one of the best beaches in Jaffna, the Casuarina Beach happens to be named so because of the abundance of Casuarina trees found at...
Read more
Neduntheevu (Delft Island), Northern Province
*24.3 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Neduntheevu, sometimes known as Neduntivu is the largest island falling in the Palk Strait in the northern parts of Sri Lanka. This is known...
Read more
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya, Northern Province
33.3 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Nagadipa Purana Vihara, houses the famous Rajayathana Stupa which is being worshiped since the 1st Century AD. This place is among one of the...
Read more
Kilaaly Beach, Northern Province
39.1 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
White sands, salty ocean breeze and calm sea waves make Kilaaly Beach or Kilali Beach is a lovely place for visitors to relax. The lesser known...
Read more
Elephant Pass, Jaffna, Northern Province
54.2 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Elephant Pass holds great significance for the country since it is located on the isthmus which connects the island to Sri Lanka’s main...
Read more
Murikandy Pillayar Temple, Northern Province
74.6 km from Jaffna Fort - See map
The Murikandy Pillayar temple conveys its importance from its name. Confused? In Tamil, Muri means break, Kandy is the Kandy city in Sri Lanka and...
Read more
