Makassar - Fort Rotterdam, Museum#

Makassar, the former Ujung Pandang, is the captial of the southern province of Sulawesi (by many still better known under its former name Celebes).

Fort Rotterdam is one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch architecture in Indonesia. Although it is now a museum, it still dominates the harbour of Makassar.

The fort/ museum is in the place where originally a Gowanese fort dating back to 1545 was located: That fort was to keep out the Dutch, but failed: In 1660 a large fleet under Johan van Dam bombarded Makassar. From 1667 onward the Duch East India company held Fort Rotterdam, established in 1669 by rebuilding the original fort in Dutch style.

It includes many fine, well-restored colonial structures. Once can still see sections of the original walls.

The fort now houses the Museum Negeri La Galigo with an assortment of exhibits, including sailing boats, rice bowls from Tana Toraja, kitchen tools, musical instruments and ethnic costumes.