Fort Vasai, Portuguese colonial fort in Palghar district, India.
Fort Vasai is a Portuguese military stronghold along the Palghar coast with thick stone walls, several bastions, and stone buildings enclosed within its perimeter. Inside the fortification, you find churches, residential structures, and administrative buildings arranged in a compact layout.
The fort was established in the 16th century as a military construction project and served for centuries as a key Portuguese administrative center. Maratha forces took control in 1739 after an extended siege period.
The churches and residential buildings inside show how European settlers lived and built their homes in India. Walking through, you notice how they constructed thick-walled structures and placed churches at the center of their community.
The site is best explored on foot since the fortification is relatively compact in layout. Bring sturdy footwear because the ground is uneven in places and can be slippery in certain areas.
The fort contained an internal canal network that distributed water throughout the structure and fed three underground reservoirs, ensuring drinking water during prolonged sieges. This engineering system was remarkably advanced for its time.
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