Fort Frederick in Trincomalee

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  Anushka Shehan

  :: 08 April 2018 20:41:02

  Fort Fredrick (Tamil: திருகோணமலை கோட்டை, translit. Tirukōṇamalai Kōṭṭai; Sinhalese: ත්‍රිකුණාමලය බලකොටුව, translit. Thrinkunamalaya Balakotuwa), also known as Trincomalee Fort or Fort of Triquillimale, is a fort built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, completed in 1624 CE, built on Swami Rock-Konamamalai from the debris of the world famous ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple (Temple of a Thousand Pillars). The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese colonial Constantino de Sá de Noronha under Phillip III, occupier of the Jaffna kingdom and Malabar country on the island. On the Konamalai cape was also built a new village of Portuguese and Tamil people, 50 Portuguese soldiers and inside the fort, a church named after "Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe". The Fort of Triquillimale was dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1665, renamed Fort Fredrick.

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  Mevin Rashmika

  :: 31 March 2018 21:50:44

  This is one of the stunning places in the town of Trincomalee. Located on an edge of the city on top of a massive boulder, the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1623. The Dutch, English and even the French have held custody of this fortress over the years. There's a board containing the historic information of the fort that is hung at its entrance. Don't forget to read that before you enter the fort. Between the 17th and 20th centuries Fort Frederick has been a front of many wars. Possession of this invaluable fortress has been of utmost value to its possesor. Even today part of the fort is used by Sri Lanka Army Gajaba Regiment for its activities. Besides that the District Secretariat, Additional Election's Commissioners Office and other prominent government institutions are located within the boundaries of the fort. A temple which contains a tall statue of Lord Buddha is being maintained inside the fort by the armed forces. One could get a breathtaking view of Trincomalee and its surrounding from the foot of this statue. This temple is maintained under the name Gokanna Rajamaha Vihara, a temple which was originally built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century A.D. by razing a Kovil, later the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese invaders. The infamous Thirukoneswaram Hindu Temple and the precipice called Lover's Leap is located within the fort as well. The environment consisting of trees, flowers and mountains within the fort further enhances its beauty. There's a considerable population of Deer within the fort who are quite tame. We kindly urge you to dispose your polythenes appropriately since the consumption of polythene and plastics would be deadly to the Deer population. It's quite easy to locate the fort since its a very well known place for those who live in the city. Take the Konesar road that flows in between the Trincomalee new bus stand and the Fish market from the infamous Clock tower. Travel about 500m until you meet the sea, there will be a T junction. Take the left turn and travel 100m to meet the entrance to Fort Frederick. Only light vehicles are allowed to enter into the fortress, heavy vehicles are supposed to be parked in the esplanade beside the McKeyzer stadium. But it is recommended to proceed to the fort on foot if you are to enjoy the beauty of nature. The road that leads up to the entrance of the fort is covered by some shady trees, on the right bank there is a breathtaking view of the ocean while several ancient cannons proudly guards the Dutch bay on the left bank of the road. Be mindful of the fact that there maybe Deer roaming in between the Clock tower and the fort.

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  Tobi H

  :: 28 March 2018 10:08:22

  Nice military base camp, probably one of the nicest I've ever seen. Realy nice big trees and some deers are inside. At the end there is temple with a view, but the Fort isn't that spectacular.

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  Kat L

  :: 10 March 2018 08:22:21

  Nice place to have a walk! The architecture of the buildings are totally different here because of the Dutch influence. Try to avoid having a walk between 11-2 because the sun is dangerous, very hot and the roads doesnt have a lot of shade.

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  Lakshman Fernando

  :: 26 January 2018 06:45:25

  This is the largest port built by Portuguese in 1620. The place is important in Ramayana history as Koneshwaram local is situated in here. Location is very beautiful edges of rocks and sorounding see. Very close to the city n parking is no problem.