The oldest surviving colonial building in the Fort, now a stylish precinct of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Overview

This handsome two-storey Dutch colonial building has been restored into one of Colombo's most popular shopping and dining precincts. Thick walls, shady courtyards and timber-shuttered verandahs now shelter cafes, craft shops and restaurants in the heart of the Fort business district, a short walk from Galle Face Green.

History

Built during the Dutch colonial period in the 17th century to care for the staff of the Dutch East India Company, it is thought to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area. After decades of institutional use it was sympathetically restored and reopened as a heritage shopping precinct in 2011.