Items of archaeological heritage and antiquities of historical value are exhibited at this regional museum, Matara Star Fort Museum. Among the exhibits, there is a skeleton which belongs to the prehistoric era. Antiquities belonging to various periods including Prehistoric, Anuradhpaura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Colonial periods are exhibited in this museum together with narration boards. Prehistoric items, architectural items, artistic items, inscriptions, coins and antiquities representing the Colonial period are available as exhibits. In 1640 the Dutch completed the main fort at Matara but found it to be vulnerable from attacks coming from land. In 1762 Singhalese forces backed by Kandyan Kingdom attacked and took control of the fort. In 1763 the Dutch regained control of the fort and that year commenced construction of another smaller fort on the east bank of the Nilwala River, in order to protect the main fort from attacks originating from the river.
The Star Fort was built to a unique shape of a six pointed star with space for 12 large cannons to cover approaches from all directions. The glacis or outer wall is approximately 7.5 metres (25 ft) wide and is surrounded by a 6 metres (20 ft) wide and 3.1 metres (10 ft) deep moat. The rampart walls of the fort are constructed out of granite rock and coral, and are 14 feet (4.3 m) in width. The fort was built to hold a small garrison, food supplies and enough ammunition to withstand an attack before being re-inforced from the main fort. The fort also had a two prison cells and a 2.75 metres (9.0 ft) diameter well in its centre to supply water. The drainage system was internal and disposed of the water collected from the monsoon rains to the moat. The date of construction (1765) is embossed over the main gate with the Dutch East India Company insignia and the coat of arms of the governor flanked by two rampart lions.
The entrance gate of the Star Fort, which is faced with coral, is also emblazoned “Redoute Van Eck 1763”, commemorating the Dutch Governor of Ceylon, Lubbert Jan baron van Eck (1719 – 1765). The roof of the building originally was roofed with cadjan leaves, which were later replaced with clay tiles. The fort is said to be the last major defence post built by the Dutch but never had the chance to prove its effectiveness. In 1796 the fort was handed over to the British with the surrender of the Sri Lankan territory by the Dutch. The British used it as an administrative office and in 1965 it was used as a library until 1975 when it was acquired by the Department of Archeology. The fort has subsequently been restored and currently houses a museum, which showcases the history of Matara.
