Ah, the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, or as we like to call it, The Dutch Hospital! It's like stepping back in time to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. This magnificent building is considered to be the oldest in the Colombo Fort area, dating all the way back to 1681. Can you believe it?
Originally, it was built as a hospital by the Dutch to take care of their officers and staff. Just imagine the Dutch seafarers arriving at the nearby harbor and being treated right here. They even imported clothing for the patients from India, specifically from Tuticorin. Fancy, right?
Now, what's fascinating about this building is that it has served various purposes throughout history. It was a hospital, then it became the Colombo Fort Police Station, and even housed the Colombo Apothecaries. Talk about a multitasking building!
Unfortunately, it suffered heavy damage during an attack in 1996, but fear not, it has been lovingly restored and transformed into a shopping and dining precinct since 2011. You'll find it brimming with delightful eateries and unique shops. And the historic Dutch architecture has been carefully preserved, so it's like taking a stroll through history.
The building has these beautiful courtyards, with the most incredible seventeenth-century Dutch colonial architecture. The walls are a whopping 50 cm thick! Can you imagine trying to penetrate those walls? No way! They knew how to keep out the heat and humidity back then. Smart cookies, those Dutch.
And the upper floor, it's like a time capsule. You can access it using a wooden staircase and, guess what? It has a wooden floor! Fancy walking on a piece of history, right? There's also a glorious long veranda along each wing, perfect for taking in the views and enjoying a cup of tea.
If you want a glimpse of what the hospital looked like back in the day, there are preserved paintings from 1771 by a Dutch artist named Johannes Rach. They're like windows to the past, showing us how little the building has changed.
So, my friend, take a moment to bask in the history and beauty of The Dutch Hospital. It truly is a heritage gem in our lovely city of Colombo. Shall we move on to our next stop? Keep your walking shoes on, there's more to explore!
