Fort Rotterdam is built on the site of a fort of the Gowa Kingdom dating back to the 16th century, Fort Rotterdam was the centre of the Dutch administration in the Celebes for several centuries. Following an extensive restoration in the 1970s the fort’s mighty ramparts and bastions are now open to visitors from around the world.
Following the Java War of the 1820s the Javanese prince, and now national hero, Diponegoro, was once held in exile in the fort until his death in 1855. Indonesia’s fascinating history of great battles and colonial struggles to control the spice trade comes alive at Fort Rotterdam.
The fort is home to the Negeri La Galigo museum which features displays of historical artifacts, weapons, musical instruments and traditional costumes.