St. Angelo Fort, Coastal fort in Kannur, India.
St. Angelo is a triangular coastal fort built from laterite stone on India's western coast with three prominent bastions positioned at its angles. A lighthouse stands within its walls, and restored cannons remain in place, all oriented toward the Arabian Sea.
The fort was founded in 1505 by Portuguese Viceroy Don Francesco de Almeida to control important sea routes from this coastal location. It changed hands twice, coming under Dutch control in the 1600s and then under British administration by the end of the 1700s.
The fort reflects the arrival and settlement of multiple seafaring peoples who left their mark on the buildings and layout. Walking through it today, you notice how different architectural traditions merged together in one defensive structure.
The fort is open to visitors during daylight hours, offering clear views of the sea from its walls and bastions. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll walk around the perimeter and climb to different levels to see the full structure and surroundings.
The fort sits at the entrance to a natural bay where the open Arabian Sea meets a protected inner harbor in a dramatic meeting of two water zones. This convergence was precisely why early seafaring merchants selected this spot for their fortified trading post.
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