St Thomas Fort, Portuguese colonial fort in Tangasseri, India.
St Thomas Fort is a fortified structure on the Arabian Sea coast in Tangasseri, with partially preserved walls and an arched gateway facing the beach. The remains show the typical layout of a colonial trading fort with compact structures designed for defense and storage.
The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 as a trading post, later taken over by the Dutch in 1661, and subsequently came under British control. This succession of powers reflects the European competition for control of the spice trade in the region.
The fort displays a blend of Portuguese military design and local building practices, where regional sandstone was combined with European construction methods. Visitors can observe this connection between two worlds in the surviving structures.
The fort is located a short distance south of Kollam and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India for public visits. The site sits near the beach, making it easy to reach, and wearing comfortable shoes is advisable to explore the uneven ground surfaces.
The fort was the site of numerous conflicts between European powers competing for control of the coastal trade network. This strategic coastal position made it a prize that different nations fought over at different times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
