Visit Kannur Fort/ St. Angelo Fort
Visit Kannur Fort/ St. Angelo Fort - A Top Tourist Spot in Kannur
St. Angelo Fort, located in the city of Kannur in the Indian state of Kerala, is an iconic historical monument that serves as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Built in 1505 CE by Portuguese viceroy Don Francesco de Almeida, the fort has had a long and varied history, passing through the hands of different colonial powers over the centuries.
The fort was constructed by the Portuguese as a strategic military outpost in their efforts to establish a foothold in the Indian subcontinent. The fort’s location on a headland overlooking the Arabian Sea made it an ideal location for monitoring shipping lanes and defending against potential invaders. The fort’s design was influenced by European military architecture of the time, with thick walls, bastions, and a moat providing a formidable defense against attacks.
In 1663, the Dutch East India Company captured the fort from the Portuguese, and it became part of their colonial holdings in the region. The Dutch made several modifications to the fort, including adding a chapel and a prison, before selling it to the Ali Raja of the Arakkal dynasty in 1772. The fort was then used as a residential palace by the Ali Rajas, who made further additions such as the palace complex and an underground tunnel leading to the sea.
The British East India Company took control of the fort in 1790 after defeating the forces of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. The British used the fort as their main military base in the Malabar region and made significant additions and modifications to the fort, including adding barracks, a hospital, and a lighthouse.
Today, St. Angelo Fort is a popular tourist attraction and is managed by the Central Archaeology Department. Visitors can explore the fort’s various features, including the bastions, prison cells, and underground tunnel. The fort’s location on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea provides stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
St. Angelo Fort is not just a physical structure but also a symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Its evolution over the centuries, from a Portuguese military outpost to a Dutch colonial holding and a British military base, reflects the complex history of colonialism and cultural exchange in the region. The fort’s preservation and maintenance by the Central Archaeology Department serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and celebrating India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
St. Angelo Fort is an important historical monument in Kerala that serves as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Its strategic location, impressive architecture, and varied history make it a must-visit destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. The fort’s preservation and maintenance by the Central Archaeology Department are essential to ensure that this cultural treasure is protected and celebrated for generations to come.
Discovery of Thousands of Cannon Balls from Kannur Fort
Archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently concluded excavations at Fort St. Angelo in Kannur, uncovering an astonishing collection of about 35,950 cannonballs. The fort, originally established by the Portuguese in 1505 and later administered via the Dutch and the British, served as a focal point of interest. Crowds flocked to the fort to witness the excavations done by the Archeological Survey of India Nestled on a promontory overlooking Mappila Bay, the fortress’s grounds yielded this enormous discovery, prompting meticulous evaluation. The sheer magnitude of cannonball cache, sourced from 4 distinct places inside the fort demanded extensive cleaning and treatment. Archaeologists dedicated weeks to unravel the artifacts’ rich historic narrative.
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