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Galle Fort Dutch VOC warehouse architecture: coral stone walls and timber king-post roof trusses?

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Amila VOC Warehouse•935 rep

What structural carpentry and coral masonry techniques preserved the 1671 VOC maritime warehouse now housing Galle's maritime museum?

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The National Maritime Archaeology Museum inside Galle Fort is housed within the historic 1671 Dutch East India Company (VOC) warehouse (Kerspel Pakhuis) opposite the Old Gate. Following extensive post-tsunami restoration, the building showcases robust 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture: 60cm-thick load-bearing walls constructed from dressed coral-limestone blocks and laterite, supporting massive hand-hewn teak king-post roof trusses covered in heavy red clay roof tiles. The structure was designed to store spices, gunpowder, and naval stores securely against maritime humidity.

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Minoli Rampart•1840 rep

Exhibits inside the air-conditioned galleries include bronze ship cannons, anchor stocks, and Ming Dynasty porcelain plates salvaged from VOC shipwrecks.

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Amila VOC Warehouse•935 rep

Admission tickets (approx. 5 USD) are purchased at the ground-floor reception desk; the museum offers an exceptional introduction to fort history.

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Minoli Heritage•1850 rep

Underwater marine archaeology units maintain active conservation laboratories on site to treat waterlogged timber and metal artifacts recovered from local wrecks.

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Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

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