The Bartizan Hotel in Galle fort, Galle, Sri Lanka.
During the initial site visit, the architect encountered an old, dilapidated house. Yet, the true value of the historic Galle Fort lies not only in its antiquity but also in its timeless, relaxed lifestyle. This project embraces these elements, blending preservation with thoughtful restoration to honor the unique heritage and ambiance of this remarkable location.
The hotel design gracefully preserves the timeless charm of the Fort, melding history with the luxuries of modernity. Facing the challenge of a busy road that separates the ocean from view, the architecture rises to meet it: upper levels open to sweeping vistas of the sea, while the ground floor becomes an intimate haven, shielded from the outside world.
A newly crafted lookout tower echoes the Fort’s historic silhouette, inviting guests to ascend and take in the horizon as ancient sentinels once did.
Every detail honors the spirit of the place—the whispers of wind and waves are reflected in the palette of colors and the play of light, while the artful arrangement of spaces creates moments of discovery and awe. Vistas are framed with intention, spaces unfold with subtlety, and history and sea air breathe through the corridors and terraces.
Here at the Bartizan, time seems to slow; each corner, every breeze, invites guests to pause, to linger, and to feel the ageless rhythm of the Fort and the sea.”
