It is believed that Matara Fort was built by Portuguese. Though it is known that the fort was built by them at Matara with the assistance of King Don Juan Dharmapala in 1595 the fort, which exists now in the triangular piece of land of the estuary of Nilwala River between the lagoon and the sea was built by the Dutch in 1645. Matara Fort is built with granite and limestone and its gateway at the entrance and the wall are very well preserved.The oldest remains of a building existing now are the Old Dutch Church, with a circular apex and an upper floor representing the Dutch architecture. During the British occupation, the Courts Complex, Rest House and the Matara Police Station have been added.
