Portuguese Castle, Portuguese fort in Hormuz, Iran
Portuguese Castle is a stone fortress on elevated terrain at the northern edge of Hormuz Island with high defensive walls and watchtowers overlooking the Persian Gulf. The structure spans multiple levels and offers views of the water and surrounding landscape from several vantage points.
The fortress was founded in 1507 by Portuguese commander Afonso de Albuquerque as a strategic military post controlling maritime trade routes. It maintained this role for over a century until losing its importance in 1622.
The fortress merges Portuguese colonial and Persian Safavid architectural styles in its stonework and defensive towers. Walking through the site, visitors directly encounter this blend of European and Middle Eastern construction methods that shaped the building.
Visitors can reach the fortress by boat tours departing from Bandar Abbas port, with guides available from Hormuz town. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven with several staircases connecting the different levels throughout the site.
The fortress walls were constructed using saruj, a regional mortar made from limestone, clay, egg whites, and goat hair that significantly improved structural strength. This distinctive building method helped the fort survive harsh environmental conditions for centuries.
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