Diu Fortress
The Diu Fortress (Portuguese: Fortaleza de Diu or formally Fortaleza de São Tomé) is a Portuguese-built fortification located on the west coast of India in Diu. The fortress was built as part of Portuguese India's defensive fortifications at the eastern tip of the island of Diu during the 16th century. The fortress, which borders on the town of Diu, was built in 1535 subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor attempted to annex this territory. It was strengthened over the years, till 1546. The Portuguese ruled over this territory from 1537 until the Indian invasion of December 1961. Today it is a landmark of Diu and one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World.
| Diu Fortress | |
|---|---|
| Part of Diu | |
| Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India | |
Gate of the Diu Fortress | |
Map of Diu, 1729 (G. Child Sculpt., engraved by G. Child) | |
Diu Fortress | |
| Coordinates | 20.714°N 70.996°E |
| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of India |
| Controlled by | Portugal (16th century–1961) India (1961–present) |
| Condition | Intact with partial ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | 16th century |
| Built by | Portuguese Empire |
| Materials | Sandstone and lime mortar |