The Old Dutch Hospital in Galle Sri Lanka is one of the oldest buildings inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. Originally constructed in the 17th century by the Dutch to serve as a hospital for their officers and staff, the building has been beautifully restored and now functions as a vibrant shopping and dining precinct. With its colonial architecture, wide verandas, and thick coral stone walls, the Old Dutch Hospital offers visitors a unique blend of history and modern leisure. Today, it houses boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it one of the most popular Galle Fort attractions for travelers seeking culture, heritage, and relaxation in southern Sri Lanka.
One of the oldest buildings within the Galle Fort, the Old Dutch Hospital has been meticulously restored to serve as a premier shopping and dining precinct. This architectural gem, with its colonnaded verandas and heavy wooden beams, offers a unique blend of 17th-century colonial history and 21st-century luxury lifestyle.
The iconic colonnaded exterior of the Old Dutch Hospital precinct.
Location: Hospital Street, Galle Fort (Near the Lighthouse)
Original Use: Medical facility for Dutch East India Company (VOC) personnel
Current Use: High-end restaurants, boutiques, and gem stores
Vibe: Sophisticated, historical, and cosmopolitan
Built by the Dutch in the late 17th century, this structure was designed to provide medical care to officers and staff of the Dutch East India Company. Its location near the harbor was strategic, allowing sick sailors arriving from long sea voyages to be transported directly to the wards.
The building was designed with thick walls to keep the interior cool and large windows to allow for maximum ventilation—essential for treating tropical illnesses in a time before modern medicine. Following the British takeover, it continued to serve as a medical facility and later as administrative offices before its modern-day revitalization.
The restoration of the Old Dutch Hospital was carried out by the Urban Development Authority with the help of the Sri Lankan Army, ensuring that the original character of the building was preserved. Notable features include:
Today, the upper and lower floors of the hospital are home to some of Galle's most celebrated eateries. It is widely considered the culinary heart of the Fort.
If you are looking for high-quality souvenirs or luxury goods, the shopping precinct within the hospital walls is unmatched:
| Detail | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon (4:00 PM onwards) to enjoy the breeze and dinner. |
| Dress Code | Smart casual is appropriate for the restaurants. |
| Accessibility | Ground floor is wheelchair accessible; stairs lead to the upper veranda. |
| Parking | Limited inside the Fort; walking from the main gate is recommended. |
From colonial wards to world-class dining—explore the evolution of the Old Dutch Hospital.
