The Old Town of Galle & its Fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. Under the leadership of Lorenzo de Almeida Portuguese made their first landing at the Galle Harbor. Capital of southern Sri Lanka in 1587; the Portuguese annexed Galle from its Singhalese kings and built its first fortress naming it "Santacrusz". To this day it looks back to 500 years of nurture under Singhalese, Portuguese, Dutch and British stewardship. The sandy beach here enhances the natural beauty the city is blessed with.