Fort St. Angelos

Fort St. Angelos is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This fort is in a reasonably good condition though parts of it have collapsed. The walls of the fort speak of history, war and conspiracy. The local guide enthrals you with the story of the famous Portuguese prisoner Afonso de Albuquerque. Built in 1505 by Don Francisco De Almeida (who was also instrumental in the imprisonment of Albuquerque), the first Portuguese Viceroy, it was captured by the Dutch who restored this amazing fortress. It was subsequently sold to the Arakkal family of Kannur, only to be finally taken over by the British. The Arakkal Palace was built close to this fort and has now been converted into a museum. The view of the entire natural fishing harbour (Mappila Bay) from the fort is quite splendid. The fort also offers amazing views of Dharmadam Island. This triangular fort was built with laterite stone and a wall of the fort separates the sea and the inland water.