St.Angelo's Fort, Kannur

Posted Date: 17 Jul 2010 Author: Roshan Salim Profile photo

This article is about the famous St.Angelo's Fort in Kannur.

About St. Angelo's Fort

St Angelo's fort is a fort situated in Kannur which is well known for its beauty and attraction. The specialty of this fort is that the whole structure was made with laterite material. This fort also has a great influence on Indian history. The fort also marked the phase of colonialism in India. This fort is also known as Kannur fort and was constructed by the first Portuguese viceroy, Don Flanking De Almeida. This fort which was built in 1505 was captured by Dutch in 1663 and was sold to Ali Raja. After the reign of the Dutch, Britishers took control over the fort in 1790. The fort then became an important military station in Malabar under the British. Now it is protected by the archeological department of Kerala.

Attractions in St. Angelo's Fort

It is situated in the coastal regions of Kannur and it gives a beautiful view of Arabian Sea and an awesome view of Moppila Bay which is a natural fishing bay and Dharmadom Island which is only 5 meters away from the mainland of Arabian Sea.

This sight seeing in the fort is a real feast for our eyes, the land features and the beautiful surroundings of this fort creates a feeling such that we are taken in to the heroic ages of our great warriors. In this fort there is a staircase which leads to the top of the fort wall. A full image of the surroundings of this fort can be seen from the top of the fort wall. It also gives an immense view of the Arabian Sea.

In the interior of the fort there is a dark room where the prisoners are being punished and put in. The room only has a small hole through which the food of the prisoners was given. After the supply of food the hole was closed and thus the prisoners were not allowed to face the light.

We can also witness a grave stone in the fort. It is believed that it is the grave stone of a Dutch commander's wife and children. There is also a Dutch inscription also on it. There is a chapel and stable inside the fort which is made of laterite material. Not only these, we can also see the remains of the early oil lamp lighthouse inside the fort.

How to Reach St. Angelo's Fort

The fort is situated in the heart of Kannur and is only 3kms away from the town. The tourists who are coming by rail can halt on kannur railway station. They can hire taxies or autorikshas from railway station to reach the fort. The nearest airport available is the Karipur International Airport situated in Calicut which is 93kms away from the fort.