Matara's Star Fort is a rare six-pointed Dutch fortress built after a local rebellion, later reinvented as a British residence and public library before becoming the compact colonial museum it is today.

Why visit Star fort

• Unique Star-Shaped Design: The fort's shape is its most defining feature. It was constructed in the form of a six-pointed star.
• Last Dutch Fortification: One of the last Dutch defensive structures built in the Matara area. It was completed in 1765 to protect the main Matara Fort.
• Strategic Defensive Architecture: Its unique design allowed a small garrison to protect against land-based attacks. The fort has vantage points in all directions.
• Historical Transformation: The fort has had many uses over time. It was a Dutch garrison, a British engineer's residence, a public library, and is now an archaeological site.
• Impressive Engineering Details: The fort features a deep moat and a drawbridge. Inside, a hexagonal building and a deep well still supply fresh water.