Portuguese Castle

The stone fortress stands on elevated terrain at the northern edge of Hormuz Island, featuring high defensive walls and watchtowers overlooking the Persian Gulf.

The fortress, established by Portuguese commander Afonso de Albuquerque in 1507, served as a strategic military outpost controlling maritime trade routes until 1622.

The structure incorporates elements from Portuguese colonial and Persian Safavid architectural traditions, reflecting the merging of European and Middle Eastern building methods.

Visitors can reach the fortress through guided tours departing from Hormuz town, with transportation available by local boats from Bandar Abbas port.

The fortress walls contain saruj, a regional building material made from limestone, clay, egg whites, and goat hair, strengthening its resistance against environmental factors.

Location: Hormozgan Province

Inception: 1507

Founders: Afonso de Albuquerque

Official opening: 1515

Architectural style: Portuguese colonial architecture, Safavid architecture

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Made from material: stone, saruj

GPS coordinates: 27.10018,56.45184

Latest update: May 11, 2025 01:05