Matara history cannot be logged into an article, because it has long and descriptive stories and incidents even not enclosed yet. Matara Fortress is located in the heart of matara city. It is considered as the Icon of Matara City since always when someone call the name Matara effortlessly remember the picture of Matara Fortress and Clock tower.
During 15th and 16th centuries Portuguese and Dutch were ruling the Southern part of Sri Lanka. In 1954 Portuguese had started the constructions of Matara Fortress. The reason behind the idea to build a fortress in Matara can be assumed as Matara was significant port and coastal line which the administration needed to protect.