Diu Fort

Perched on the eastern coast of the island, the Diu Fort stands as a commanding testament to history, overlooking the vast expanse of the sea. Positioned strategically, this expansive structure boasts an impressive view of its surroundings, bordered by the sea on three sides and a canal on the fourth.

Constructed in 1535 through a strategic alliance between Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese against the Mughals, the fort bears the scars of battles that shaped its destiny. Originally built by D. Nuno da Cunha, it underwent reconstruction in 1546 under the direction of D. Joao de Castro.

Spread across 5.6 hectares, the fort stands proudly at an elevation of 26.40 meters above sea level. Within its walls, remnants of a bygone era include residences for the nobility, warehouses, soldier barracks, armory and ammunition depots, a prison, and places of worship like a church and a chapel—albeit now in a state of picturesque ruins.

The fort boasts an array of bastions, each with its own historical significance. From the formidable Bastion St. Domingos to the resilient Bastion St. Tereza, these structures not only served defensive purposes but also added architectural grandeur to the fort. Other notable bastions include St. Nicolau, St. Philip, Couraça, Cavaleiro, St. James, Chato (Flat), St. George, and St. Lucy, each contributing to the fort's rich tapestry of history and heritage.

Visit Diu Fort to immerse yourself in a journey through time, where the echoes of strategic alliances, battles, and architectural marvels resonate against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.