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Forts and Monuments in Diu

A visit to the forts and the monuments in any place is like revisiting and reliving its past in all its majestic glory. The tiny hamlet of Diu is home to many majestic forts and imposing monuments that have historical significance. A walk through these forts is like walking through centuries, revisiting the significant moments of the past that explain a great deal about the rich and glorious history and tradition of Diu. These forts are an evidence of the Portuguese past in Diu and are specimens of architectural brilliance.

Diu Fort

Diu fort today stands as a reminder of Portugal rule over the island. It is believed that the present Diu Fort was constructed on the ruins of another fort built by the Arabs in 1400 AD. This Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu was built between 1535 and 1541 AD. It is an imposing structure and offers to the visitors a picturesque view of the magnificent sea. It is covered by the sea on three sides, with its outer wall built along the coastal line. There is a beautiful giant Light House, with several canons scattered at the top. There are three entry gates, with Portuguese inscriptions. The main front wall has five large windows with stone galleries. There are iron shells scattered around in the fort area.


Forts and Monuments in Diu

The fort has a charming pretty garden. In the evenings, one can get a splendid view of the Panikotha Fort located in the sea, opposite to the Diu Fort. At night, colourful lights beautifully light up the fort and offer breath-taking views to the visitors. Inside the fort, there are churches, museum and a jail. The bastions, inscriptions, gateways, arches inside the fort transport you to a different era – an era of brave soldiers and military forces. Along the Fort Road, there are numerous hotels, houses and resorts for the visitors. You can visit the fort between 7 am to 6 pm.

Zampa Gateway

Zampa Gateway in Diu

The Zampa Gateway is considered to be the main entrance to Diu city wall. The town of Diu is sandwiched between this Gateway to its west and the Fort on the east. This striking red monument is one of the prominent landmarks of Diu. It is believed to have been constructed during the medieval period. Its aesthetic beauty is a reflection of the architectural brilliance of the artisans in those days. There are carvings of angels, lions and a priest on this Gateway. It also has a chapel with inscription, dating back to the year 1702. The architectural beauty of this place leaves the visitors spellbound and raptured. An artificially created waterfall, the Zampa Waterfall nearby, adds to its visual beauty.

Fortress of Panikotha


Tourist palces in Diu

Located at the opening of a creek, this magnificent structure, also called Fortim – do – Mar is home to a light house and a tiny chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. Known for its excellent stone structure, it offers wonderful, picturesque views, when seen from the Diu Fort, jetty or the Ghoghla village. Special light effects at night, add to its beauty. Located in the heart of the sea, motor launches, canoes, tourist boats are available to reach the Panikotha Fort. It is even said that this structure was once connected with the land by an undersea tunnel. Its mesmerising beauty has managed to capture the fancy of the filmmakers and one can get to see this beautiful monument in the popular Bollywood movie, ‘Qayamat’.



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