The smallish Dutch rampart occupies the promontory separating the Nilwala Ganga from the sea. Built in the 18th century to protect the VOC’s kachcheri (administrative office), its structure is a little peculiar – it was originally meant to be a fort, but accountants, with their pesky cost-cutting exercises, dictated otherwise.
Inside the rampart are quiet vestiges of old Matara. Wander the narrow streets and you’ll see the odd colonial gem. The river bank at the west corner is serene; see if you can spot one of the rumoured crocodiles.
