Colombo Fort

     During the European Fort was indeed a fort, surrounded by the sea on two sides and a moat on the landward sides. Today it's literally at the centre of Colombo's resurgence, with grand old colonial era buildings being restored amid a mix of modern structures, such as the World Trade Centre.

     Security remains in evidence in this area as the president's official residence and various government ministries are here. You may have to detour around a bit but it's a compact area and can be appreciated on a short stroll. Start at the Old Galle Buck Lighthouse, which has excellent seafront views. It was built in 1954 and is surrounded by old canons.

     Just north, look for the large white dagoba (stupa) of Sambodhi Chaitiya perched about 20 m off the ground on stilts a landmark for sea travellers. The Clock Tower at the junction of Chatham St ans Janadhipathi Mawatha (once Queen St) was originally a lighthouse that was built in 1857.

     Chatham St is seeing a lot of renovation of old buildings, one of the grandest being the old colonnaded Central Bank Just north, Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha has the grandly restored Lloyd's Buildings which are in sharp contrast to the battered old hulk on the east side. Local retail giant Cargills once had its main store on York St the now mostly empty ornate red building still shows its faded elegance in its long areades that still have old store signage such as the one noting 'toilet requisites'

     The busy harbour on the north side of Fort is mostly walled off but you can enjoy sweeping views from the tiny terrace of the otherwise hudrum top floor cafe of the Grand Oriental Hotel.

Old Dutch Hospital

Centre piece of the newly vibrant Fort, this colonialera complex dates back to the early 1600s. Lavishly restored it is home to shops, cafes and resturants run by some of Colombo's best oparators. Enjoy a pause for a cold drink amid the incredibly thick coloumns of its arcades.

 St Peter's Church

Reached along the atcade on the north side of the Grand Oriental Hotel, this church was converted from the Dutch governor's banquet hall and was first used as a church in 1821. Inside it has an original wood ceiling and myriad plaques attesting to its work with seamen through the years.