Old Nupe Market Matara
A rare surviving Dutch-era market in Matara, showcasing unique architecture and intricate woodwork, though facing conservation challenges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry, admire architecture
Old Nupe Market Matara
Best Time
Free entry, admire architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare surviving Dutch-era market in Matara, showcasing unique architecture and intricate woodwork, though facing conservation challenges.
"A forgotten treasure in Matara, this Dutch market boasts remarkable craftsmanship despite its neglect."
Easy Access from Town
Just minutes from Matara Bus/Train stations. Look for Pizza Hut/Keells opposite. :bus: :train:
Admire the Craftsmanship
Focus on the unique tiles, pillars, and wooden carvings. It's a historical treasure. :classical_building:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Dutch Architecture
Main Market Hall
Admire the 'T' shaped structure with distinctive Kandyan clay tiles and intricate wooden latticework.
Historic Well
Garden Area
Discover a charming garden with a well, a testament to Dutch-style design and craftsmanship.
Latticework Details
Roof Edges
Marvel at the elaborate wooden carvings along the roof edges, a rare decorative element.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Hidden Gem in Matara
Conservation Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Easy Access from Town
Just minutes from Matara Bus/Train stations. Look for Pizza Hut/Keells opposite. :bus: :train:
Admire the Craftsmanship
Focus on the unique tiles, pillars, and wooden carvings. It's a historical treasure. :classical_building:
Be a Responsible Visitor
This is a monument, not just a market. Avoid touching or damaging structures. :pray:
Check for Special Sales
Sometimes used for plant or furniture sales. Adds to the local experience. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Easy Access from Town
Just minutes from Matara Bus/Train stations. Look for Pizza Hut/Keells opposite. :bus: :train:
Admire the Craftsmanship
Focus on the unique tiles, pillars, and wooden carvings. It's a historical treasure. :classical_building:
Be a Responsible Visitor
This is a monument, not just a market. Avoid touching or damaging structures. :pray:
Check for Special Sales
Sometimes used for plant or furniture sales. Adds to the local experience. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old Nupe Market a unique architectural gem with historical significance, often described as a forgotten treasure. Its easy accessibility from Matara town is a plus. However, many note its poor conservation and neglect, with some mistaking it for other 'Dutch' sites or finding it used for unrelated sales.
"⚠️ This is the Forgotten Treasure in Matara ⚠️
The Dutch Market at Nupe Junction, Matara is one of the most unique surviving monuments of Dutch architecture in Sri Lanka, but sadly it suffers from poor conservation and neglect. Built with remarkable craftsmanship, it features a well designed in Dutch style, distinctive roofing with unusual tiles (උළු) different from other Dutch structures, and even wooden carvings along the roof edges. A charming garden still survives, and the premises also house an archaeological office and bookshop. Yet, despite its historic value, the site is largely treated as an exhibition hall, where exhibitors are unaware of its importance and may unknowingly cause damage. The Archaeological Department has placed a signboard here, but has done little to actively protect or preserve the monument.
Getting here is very easy — it’s just a few minutes from the Matara Bus Stand and Matara Railway Station, and sits right at Nupe Junction, with Pizza Hut opposite and Keells supermarket nearby. This makes it a perfect stop for travelers to explore quickly while enjoying a rest, snack, or some shopping in the area.
However, the people of Matara must be more responsible in preserving this landmark. It is not just an old building, but a rare piece of history that reflects the city’s colonial past. Travelers should be informed of its importance, and the authorities should take stronger steps to conserve and showcase this heritage site. Without urgent attention, Matara risks losing one of its most unique Dutch-era treasures forever."
Venuri Rathnasekara
"The Old Nupe Market (Sinhala: නූපේ පැරණි වෙළඳ ගොඩනැගිල්ල) or the Old Dutch Market is a historic, European-built structure in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is located about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) from Matara fort, at the junction of the Matara-Akuressa Highway (A24) and Matara Road (B535).
The building was built in the late eighteenth century, probably by the British, but possibly by the Dutch. It was used to house the Nupe market.
The open-sided market building was constructed in a 'T' shape, with the upper bars of the T running parallel with the road and providing the entrance. The pitched roof is tiled in red Sinhala Kandyan period clay tiles (peti-ulu) and supported by large white stone pillars. The supporting wooden frame of the roof is elaborate and edged with lavish latticework. The building is 15 metres (49 ft) high and comprises a 31 metres (102 ft) by 9 metres (30 ft) timber portico in the middle of the building with three small wooden spires above the main roof. One wing would have housed the vegetable market, the other wing meat and fish. The stem of the T was mostly likely to have been used for the sale of textiles and household items.[4]"
THISARA NEO
"The place gets confused with dutch markets, dutch antique shop, dutch fort. This is just a space used for nursery. Well kept, beautiful plants but not what we went for."
WinNie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's very easy to reach! The market is located at Nupe Junction, just a few minutes from the Matara Bus Stand and Matara Railway Station. You can easily take a tuk-tuk or a short walk. It's conveniently situated opposite Pizza Hut and next to Keells supermarket.
While specific dedicated parking isn't mentioned, the area around Nupe Junction is generally accessible for vehicles. Tuk-tuks and cars can usually find space nearby, especially outside of peak market times.
Absolutely! It's a perfect stop if you're using public transport. Both the Matara Bus Stand and Matara Railway Station are very close by, making it a convenient addition to your travel plans.
Look for Nupe Junction. Landmarks like Pizza Hut and Keells supermarket are right opposite, making it easy to spot. It's a well-known junction in Matara.
The market is an open-sided structure with a garden. While the main market area might be accessible, the garden paths could be uneven. It's advisable to check on-site for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Old Nupe Market is free of charge. You can visit anytime to admire the architecture and the grounds.
The market is a public place and can be visited anytime. However, specific stalls or the archaeological office might have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Old Nupe Market. It's a historical site open for public viewing.
Official tours are not widely advertised. However, you can explore the site independently and appreciate its historical features. Local guides might be available in Matara town.
The best way is to take your time to walk around, observe the unique architectural details, and imagine its past use as a bustling market.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique Dutch-era architecture, including the 'T' shaped building, distinctive roofing tiles, and elaborate wooden carvings. There's also a charming garden with a well. Sometimes, it hosts special sales of plants or furniture.
Reviews suggest that while the building has historical value, conservation efforts are lacking, and it suffers from neglect. However, some parts like the garden might be kept tidy.
It's one of the most unique surviving monuments of Dutch architecture in Sri Lanka, built in the late 18th century. It reflects Matara's colonial past and showcases remarkable craftsmanship.
Information on public restrooms is not readily available. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit in nearby establishments like Pizza Hut or Keells supermarket.
Yes, you can take photos to capture the unique architecture. However, be respectful of the site and any ongoing activities or exhibitions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market itself is primarily an architectural site and sometimes hosts special sales. However, there are well-known dining options like Pizza Hut directly opposite, and a Keells supermarket nearby for snacks.
Given its location in Matara town, you can find a variety of local Sri Lankan cuisine in nearby restaurants. Pizza Hut offers Western fast food, and the supermarket has convenient snacks.
While there isn't a designated picnic area, you could potentially enjoy snacks in the garden area if it's not being used for other purposes. However, it's best to be discreet and clean up thoroughly.
One TikTok video mentioned bakery products and fresh milk from a 'Dutch Market' which might refer to a different location or a special event. The Old Nupe Market itself is not primarily a food market.
Explore the streets around Matara town for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry, seafood, and local snacks. Ask locals for their favorite eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the unique architectural elements: the 'T' shape, the distinctive red Kandyan clay tiles, the large stone pillars, and especially the intricate wooden latticework along the roof edges. The garden and well also offer picturesque views.
Yes, it's an excellent spot for architectural photography due to its unique blend of Dutch and local Sri Lankan influences, and its historical significance. The details in the woodwork are particularly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon would offer softer light, ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh. Consider the angle of the sun to highlight the architectural details.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, be mindful of any ongoing exhibitions or if the site is being used for special sales. Avoid intrusive photography.
A wide-angle lens would be useful for capturing the overall structure, while a prime lens can help focus on the intricate details of the latticework and carvings. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given its proximity to Matara town and amenities like Pizza Hut and Keells supermarket, it's an easy addition to a family itinerary. Pack some snacks and drinks, as dedicated facilities might be limited. The free entry makes it a budget-friendly option for a quick cultural stop.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Understand the context of its use as a market and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its construction. While conservation is a concern, the site still offers a tangible connection to Matara's past. Consider it a valuable stop for understanding the layers of history in Sri Lanka.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to capture the 'T' shape and the spires. The garden area can provide a softer, more natural setting for shots. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance the textures and details, making your photographs truly stand out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Cultures
The true artistry lies in the supporting wooden frame of the roof, which is not only functional but also elaborately decorated with lavish latticework along its edges. This intricate woodwork is a highlight for visitors and showcases remarkable craftsmanship. The building also features three small wooden spires above the main roof, adding to its unique aesthetic. The overall dimensions, approximately 15 meters high and with a 31 by 9-meter portico, give it a substantial presence.
Historically, the market was designed to accommodate various goods. One wing would have been for vegetables, the other for meat and fish. The central stem of the 'T' was likely used for textiles and household items. This functional layout, combined with the aesthetic details, makes the Old Nupe Market a significant historical and architectural site, reflecting a blend of European design and local building traditions.
Conservation Challenges and Visitor Responsibility
This lack of dedicated care puts a unique piece of Matara's colonial past at risk. The building's remarkable craftsmanship, from its distinctive roofing to its wooden carvings, deserves better preservation. Without urgent attention from authorities and increased public awareness, Matara could lose this rare heritage site.
Visitors play a crucial role in advocating for and respecting such sites. While the market is free to visit and admire, travelers are urged to be responsible. This means refraining from touching or damaging any part of the structure and appreciating it as a historical monument rather than just an old building. Raising awareness about its condition and importance can contribute to its long-term survival.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit