Question 1

What is the emblem above the Old Gate of Galle Fort?

Accepted Answer

The emblem is the British Royal Coat of Arms, placed there after the British took control of Galle from the Dutch in 1796. It shows a lion and unicorn supporting a crowned shield, with the royal motto 'Dieu et Mon Droit' below and the Garter motto 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' encircling the shield. Both inscriptions are in French, which reflects the Norman origins of English heraldic tradition.

Question 2

What did the Old Gate look like before the British arrived?

Accepted Answer

Before 1796, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) monogram was displayed above the gate. The Dutch had taken Galle from the Portuguese in 1640 and significantly expanded the fort, placing their own emblem as a mark of ownership. The British removed the VOC insignia shortly after taking control of the Southern Province and replaced it with the Royal Coat of Arms of King George III.

Question 3

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Old Gate of Galle Fort?

Accepted Answer

Passing through the Old Gate and walking the fort's streets and ramparts is free of charge. Individual attractions inside the fort — including certain museum areas — charge separate admission fees. The fort is accessible at any time of day.

Question 4

Where exactly is the Old Gate located within Galle Fort?

Accepted Answer

The Old Gate stands at the northern end of the fort, where Baladaksha Mawatha (the beach road) passes through the rampart wall. It is the entrance closest to the harbour and to the Galle railway station, making it a natural first point of contact for visitors arriving from the coastal road or by train.

Question 5

What is the difference between the Old Gate and the Main Gate of Galle Fort?

Accepted Answer

The Old Gate dates to the Dutch colonial period and had the British Royal Coat of Arms added in 1796; it is narrower, quieter, and better suited to pedestrians. The Main Gate was widened by the British in 1873 to accommodate heavier traffic and is the primary vehicle entrance used today. Most tour buses arrive through the Main Gate, while the Old Gate sees a smaller and generally more leisurely flow of visitors.

Question 6

How long should I allow to explore Galle Fort from the Old Gate?

Accepted Answer

A thorough self-guided walk of the fort's main streets and ramparts typically takes two to three hours. If you plan to visit the Maritime Museum, the Dutch Reformed Church, and one or two of the smaller gallery spaces, allow a full half-day. A guided walking tour adds context to the architecture and heraldry that can be difficult to interpret without background knowledge.

Question 7

What does the French motto 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' mean?

Accepted Answer

The phrase is the motto of the Order of the Garter, England's oldest order of chivalry, and is most commonly translated as 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it.' It encircles the shield on the British Royal Coat of Arms carved above the Old Gate. Its presence on the plaque signals the full ceremonial authority of the British Crown rather than just a territorial marker.

Question 8

Is Galle Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Galle Fort was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, recognised as an outstanding example of a European fortification that blended European and South Asian architectural traditions. The Old Gate is part of the protected ensemble and retains structural elements from the Dutch period alongside the British-era heraldic carvings.

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