The Star Fort stands on the eastern bank of the Nilwala River, about 350 metres from the main Matara Fort gate, connected to the mainland by a small bridge. The Dutch built it in 1763 as a secondary defensive position to cover the river approach. The six-pointed star plan — each point forming a bastion — is textbook 18th-century military engineering, and the fort is in remarkably good condition for its age.
Inside the fort a small museum covers the history of Matara and the surrounding area, with maps, photographs, and colonial-era objects. The museum is modest by major-city standards but well maintained. The fort itself, being small, can be walked around in about 30 minutes. The views from the bastions across the river and out to sea are pleasant, and the structure is photogenic from almost any angle. Entry is charged; it is the most tourist-oriented sight in Matara.