Ever wondered where Dutch seafarers sought solace in old Colombo? Right here, before us, stands the Old Dutch Hospital. It is a testament to time and transformation. This isn’t just another building. The Old Dutch Hospital is Colombo’s oldest, dating back to 1681.
Imagine this place centuries ago. The Dutch East India Company built it. They wanted to care for their officers and staff. Its location near the harbor was strategic. It allowed easy access for Dutch seafarers needing medical attention.
Back then, the hospital provided basic care. Most patients got a mat. The seriously ill received a mattress. Even patient clothing came all the way from Tuticorin, India.
Paul Hermann was one of the most famous surgeons. He served from 1672 to 1679. He earned the title “father of botany in Sri Lanka.” Another surgeon, Alleman, worked to improve hospital conditions. He even increased provisions for patients.
Paintings reveal a fascinating detail. A canal once flowed along what’s now Canal Row Lane. The British filled it in after they captured the city.
Fast forward to the post-independence era. The building transformed. From the early 1980s to 1990s, it served as the Colombo Fort Police Station. Before that, it housed the Colombo Apothecaries. Tragedy struck in 1996. The Old Dutch Hospital suffered heavy damage during an LTTE attack. It followed the Central Bank bombing.
But this structure is resilient. In 2011, it was reborn. The Old Dutch Hospital became a shopping and dining precinct. The historic architecture was carefully preserved. Today, you can see seventeenth-century Dutch colonial architecture. The building has five wings. They create two courtyards.
The design was clever. Thick walls keep out heat and humidity. Teak beams provide solid support. An upper floor sits in the front wing. A wooden staircase leads to it. Long open verandas run along each wing.
Interestingly, paintings from 1771 show little change. A Dutch artist named Johannes Rach captured its likeness. His art is preserved in the Netherlands.
Sadly, the original landscaping is gone. Yet, the Old Dutch Hospital remains a vibrant hub. It blends history with modern life. The Old Dutch Hospital is not just a relic. It’s a living, breathing part of Colombo’s story. It has been transformed into a modern shopping and dining complex, while still retaining its historical charm.
As you explore its courtyards and shops, remember its past. Think of the Dutch seafarers, the dedicated surgeons, and the transformations it has undergone. The Old Dutch Hospital is a unique ground-level experience for travelers, allowing them to enjoy the best of Colombo’s heritage and urban culture in one setting. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Colombo.