Draft:Moti Daman Fort
Portuguese-era fort in Daman, India
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Moti Daman Fort (Portuguese: Fortaleza de Daman) is a 16th-century Portuguese fort located in Daman, in the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India. Built between 1559 and 1581, it served as the administrative headquarters of Portuguese Daman until 1961.
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thepublicYes
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Forte de Damão | |
| Part of Portuguese India | |
| Moti Daman, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India | |
 Moti Daman Fort Gate | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Sea fort |
| Owner | Government of India |
| Operator | Archaeological Survey of India |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Preserved |
| Location | |
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| Coordinates | 20.4140°N 72.8325°E |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1559–1581 |
| Built by | Portuguese Empire |
| Materials | Stone masonry |
History
The fort was constructed after the Portuguese established control over Daman in 1559. It was designed to defend the territory from regional powers and maritime threats in the Arabian Sea. The fort remained under Portuguese administration for more than four centuries until December 1961, when Daman was integrated into India following the end of Portuguese rule.
Architecture
Moti Daman Fort covers approximately 30,000 square metres and is polygonal in shape with massive stone walls and ten bastions. The fort features two main gateways and defensive ramparts overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Several important colonial-era buildings are located within the fort complex, including:
- Secretariat Building
- Government House
- Dominican Monastery
- Bocage House
- Church of Bom Jesus
- Old lighthouse
The architectural style reflects typical 16th-century Portuguese military design with thick walls and strategically placed bastions.
Tourism
The fort is open to the public and is a major tourist attraction in Daman. Visitors can walk along the ramparts and explore the historic churches and administrative buildings inside the fort complex.