# Diu Fort

- **Country:** India

Diu Fort, also known as the Fortaleza de São Tomé, is a historic military installation located on the western coast of India in Diu, part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Constructed by the Portuguese Empire starting in 1535 and strengthened until 1546, the fortress stands at the eastern tip of Diu Island. Built primarily from sandstone and lime mortar, the structure exemplifies 16th-century Portuguese colonial military architecture. It was originally established following a defense alliance between the Portuguese and Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who sought protection against the expanding Mughal Empire under Emperor Humayun. This strategic partnership allowed the Portuguese to secure a vital foothold for their flourishing spice trade after previous failed attempts to seize the island by force.

The fort served as a critical defensive stronghold for Portuguese India for over four centuries, remaining under their control from 1537 until the Indian annexation of the territory in December 1961. Before Portuguese occupation, the island had been ruled by various dynasties, including the Chavda Rajputs and the Gujarat Sultanate. Today, the Diu Fortress is owned by the Government of India and remains largely intact, though it contains some partial ruins. It stands as a prominent landmark of the region and has been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. The site offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of colonial history, maritime trade conflicts, and the architectural legacy of European powers in South Asia.

![Photo of Diu Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Diu_fort_Diu_india.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diu_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)