St. Angelo Fort

Introduction

St. Angelo Fort, also known as Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta, is a historical marvel located 3 kilometers from Kannur city in Kerala, South India. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this fort has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of colonial powers in the region.

Portuguese Era

• Foundation and Construction:
  In 1498, during Vasco da Gama’s visit, the Kolathiri king granted land to the Portuguese. Construction of the fort began on October 24, 1505, under Francisco de Almeida’s directive, and the wooden structure was completed within a week. By 1507, it was replaced with a stone fort.
• Significant Events:
  After the naval Battle of Diu in 1509, Francisco de Almeida detained Afonso de Albuquerque at the fort, marking a tense period in Portuguese leadership.
• Military Importance:
  The fort served as a supply base during the Portuguese conquest of Goa and battles against the Mamluks. Revenue for its maintenance came from Goa, the Portuguese stronghold in India.

Dutch Occupation

• Capture and Renovation:
  On February 15, 1663, the Dutch captured the fort, modernized it, and added bastions named Hollandia, Zeelandia, and Frieslandia, which are iconic features today.
• Historical Artwork:
  A depiction of the fort with a fishing ferry behind it can be found in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.

Transfer of Ownership

• Arakkal Dynasty:
  In 1772, the Dutch sold the fort to King Ali Raja of Arakkal, the Muslim royal family of Kannur.
• British Era:
  The British took control of the fort in 1790 and used it as their main military station in Malabar until India’s independence in 1947.

Architectural Highlights

• Bastions and Defenses:
  The Dutch-era bastions—Hollandia, Zeelandia, and Frieslandia—stand as prominent features of the fort.
• Strategic Location:
  Its location on the shores of the Arabian Sea offered a strategic vantage point for monitoring sea routes and defending against invasions.

Archaeological Discoveries

• Cannonballs:
  In 2015, thousands of cannonballs were unearthed during excavations. Each weighed several kilograms, indicating the fort’s preparedness for military confrontations.
• Preservation:
  The fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and remains well-preserved.

Tourism and Accessibility

• Tourist Attraction:
  St. Angelo Fort is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and casual visitors.
• Security and Maintenance:
  The fort is guarded by six Tourism Policemen to ensure visitor safety and preserve its heritage.

Nearby Attractions

• Kannur Lighthouse:
  Located close to the fort, the lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
• Payyambalam Beach:
  A tranquil beach nearby, ideal for relaxation after a visit to the fort.
• Arakkal Museum:
  A museum dedicated to the history of the Arakkal family, providing insights into the local royal dynasty.

Conclusion

St. Angelo Fort stands as a testament to Kerala’s vibrant history, showcasing the architectural and cultural imprints of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its strategic location, well-preserved structure, and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark in Kannur.