The Portuguese built a fort at Trincomalee in 1624, at the base of a high rock, which is called Swami Rock today. On the top of this rock was a famous temple, the 'Pagoda of a thousand pillars', which the Portuguese destroyed and used the stones to build the fort. In 1639 the Dutch attacked with a fleet of 12 ships under Admiral Westerwold, and captured the fort. The Portuguese fort was rebuilt but later abandoned. Only in 1665 a new fort was built in its place, when it became clear the British and the French were interested in this large eastern harbour. In 1672, when the Dutch were attacked by France, Brittain, and two German states, the French captured Trincomalee. They sent an embassador to King Rajasingha in Kandy, who allowed them to occupy Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Van Goens soon sent a fleet however, which trapped the French in their fort with no food or water for four months and were forced to leave.

The Trincomalee fort however is in good shape. It is occupied by the army and although you are allowed to visit it, you cannot take photographs. It covers a large area on a hilly promontory, surrounded by high walls. Inside are various buildings and barracks, some of which date from the British time, and a paradeground. Everywhere are large trees which throw their shade on the lanes that sometimes pass old tombs with faded inscriptions among the dry bushes. At the end is Swami Rock, on the top of which a new temple, the Tirukonesvaram Kovil, has been built. From it one can see far out over the ocean a hundred meters below, and the shoreline with fishing boats, and to the west the town with its angular grid of roads can be seen.

Trincomalee Fort Related references