St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort is a historic triangular laterite fort built in 1505 by the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco de Almeida. Located on the Arabian Sea coast in Kannur, Kerala, it changed hands between the Dutch, Arakkal dynasty, and British before becoming an ASI-protected monument. The fort offers panoramic views of Mopilla Bay and Dharmadam Island, featuring well-preserved bastions, cannons, and colonial-era structures.

Visitors can explore massive laterite stone walls, sea-facing bastions with old cannons, and colonial-era buildings including barracks and a Dutch cemetery. The fort provides sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, Mopilla Bay, and Dharmadam Island. Well-maintained walkways and benches are available for relaxation. Informative plaques provide historical context about the fort's construction and significance.

Built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, as their first stronghold in Malabar. Captured by the Dutch in 1663, sold to the Ali Raja of the Arakkal dynasty in 1772, and seized by the British East India Company in 1790. Used as a British military station until Indian independence, now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.

Represents Kerala's colonial maritime history and the competition among European powers for control of the spice trade. The fort showcases a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural influences and serves as a testament to the region's strategic importance in international trade routes.