St. Angelo Fort also known by the name, Kannur Kotta or Kannur Fort, is a majestic architectural structure bearing signs of Kerala’s ancient history and influence of European powers. The fort resides 3km away from Kannur city overlooking the inglorious Arabian sea. One can have a clear vision of Mopilla Bay, the natural fishing harbour and Dharmadam island in the sea. It was a gateway fort built by the Portuguese viceroy, Francisco D. Almeida, in 1505. After the historical landing of Vaco da Gama and his shipmen in 1498, the Portuguese sought opportunities. At a time of dispute between the local rulers, the Kolathiris of north Kerala against the Zamorins in Kozhikode. Portuguese cunningly consented with the Kolathiris and built this fort on our lands.
The fort became a military base for future plottings and battles. The fort was renovated several times by the Dutch and British in the subsequent years of seizing power from the previous holders. The triangular-shaped fort made of laterite with bastions, dumps, underground jails, and secret tunnels gives testimony to the strategic planning of the military base. At present, the fort is under the control of the Archeological Survey of India. Visit At. Angelo Fort upon your journey to Kannur, it takes you back to the prehistoric era with the existing relics such as tombs of dead soldiers, old chapels, stables, and much more.
Contact Details
St. Angelo Fort
Near Cannanore Cantonment,
Burnacherry, Kannur,
Kerala 670017
