Top choice fort in Matara - Star Fort
This fort was built by the Dutch to compensate for deficiencies in the neighbouring rampart, but it’s so small it could only have protected a handful of bureaucrats. Look out for the construction date (1765) embossed over the main gate, along with VOC insignia and the coat of arms of the governor of the day. Inside there's a small museum with modest displays about the history of Matara, and you can view former soldiers' sleeping quarters and prisoners' cells. Look for the two carved lions that guard the entrance gates and then stroll the mini-ramparts, complete with cannon stations.
Dutchman's Street
A cool new cafe-restaurant serving well-priced international dishes (saucy fried chicken wings, battered fried prawns) in the colonial enclave of Matara Fort. It occasionally hosts DJs and live music events and has a lovely sea-facing garden.
Historic Building in Matara - Old Dutch Trade Centre
On the western side of town, this magnificent T-shaped building (once the town's market) will fascinate architectural buffs: it has an imposing, steeply pitched roof, three conical towers and a grand gabled entrance. It's open-sided and supported by colossal wooden beams and columns.
Buddhist Site In Matara - Weherahena Temple
On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like scenes from the Buddha’s life. There’s also a huge Buddha statue.
During the late-November or early December poya (full moon), a perahera (procession) of dancers and elephants is held at the temple to celebrate the anniversary of its founding.
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