Diu

June 21, 2021

Diu is situated to the extreme south of Sourashtra peninsula, it is a small island, enjoyed among the sea port of western India. The Portuguese fortress of Diu is a formidable and imposing structure on the extreme south east point of the island. The original fortification was constructed under Nuno-da-Cunha in 1535 A.D. and was rebuilt by the Viceroy D. Joao-De-Castro after 1546 A.D.

Crossing the outer and inner ditches, this historic citadel enters the fortress through double gateways. The gateway and the landing pier are protected by the bastion called St. George, Considered to be the oldest part of the entire fort. This bastion was erected by Capt. Nannel-De-Souza-De-Supulveda,who also extended the Rock cut moat from sea to sea in 1542 A.D.

The Citadel is protected by the sea on three sides and on the land side by a deep moat cut through the solid rock and was defended by several cannons placed on bastions. On the land side (West) of the fort is an imposing double line of bastions facing the city. Three of them are on the outer line and four on the inner line and all are named after Christian Saints. It was on this land side of the fort that the Gujarat Army under Khwaja Safar and his son Rumikhan had directed all their attacks in 1546 A.D. The Southern wall of the castle faces the open sea. The St. Luzia bastion (1650 A.D.) from extreme point of the castle to the eastern side. In between the bastion of St. Luzia and the main bastion at Gateway are the cisterns of the "Kings and Queens," so constructed as to collect the rain water. Within the are of the fort of Diu were located the Governor's palace. The prison, barracks for the garrisons, state offices, besides several Churches.

The fort enclosing and area of 56,736 Sqmts, had facilities for storage of all kinds of arms and ammunition's, rations and water to withstand siege of longer duration. Many underground escape channels were also provided. The fort is considered to be the most important Portuguese forts of Asia.