Fort

The Fort of Diu, a sprawling and formidable edifice, stands proudly on the eastern coast of the island, offering a commanding view of the sea and its surroundings. Situated at the extreme edge, the fort is flanked by the ocean on three sides, with a protective canal encircling it on the fourth. Its origins trace back to a strategic partnership between Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese, forged against the Mughals. Constructed in 1535 by D. Nuno da Cunha and rebuilt in 1546 by D. Joao de Castro, this monumental structure spans 5.6 hectares, towering 26.40 meters above sea level.

Within its massive walls, the fort housed noble residences, warehouses, barracks, armories, prisons, and religious structures, including a church and chapel, now in ruins. Its defensive prowess is evident in the array of bastions such as St. Domingos, St. Nicolau, St. Philip, Couraça, Cavaleiro, St. James, Flat, St. George, St. Tereza, and St. Lucy, with the oldest believed to be St. George.

Stepping into the fort transports visitors to a bygone era, where gallant soldiers once defended its ramparts. The echoes of history resonate as one walks amidst the ancient stonework, imagining the battles and empires that once shaped this land. Today, the fort houses a lighthouse, guiding fishermen, and a jail, serving as tangible reminders of its enduring legacy.

Planned, constructed, and defended by the Portuguese, the Fort of Diu symbolizes their lasting influence in India, persevering even after the nation's independence from British rule. It stands as a testament to a bygone era, where power and ambition intersected on the shores of this sun-kissed territory.