Moti Daman Fort, Daman - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 Km from Daman Bus Station, Moti Daman Fort is a historical fort is in the Union territory Daman and Diu. Located on the northern bank of the Daman Ganga River, it is one of the most popular historical places that one must visit as part of the Daman heritage packages.

Moti Daman Fort stands as an impressive monument to Daman's rich varied history, tracing back to 16th-century India. The fort's construction began in 1559 AD and was completed in 1581 AD during the period of Portuguese governance in Daman. Throughout history, this fort has suffered damage from various natural disasters and currently appears to be in a state of disrepair. Nevertheless, the older structures remain intact and are now utilized as government offices. Most areas of the fort are accessible to the public for exploration.

Moti Daman Fort stands as a testament to Daman's cultural and architectural legacy, blending European and Indian influences in its design and construction. The fort spans an area of 30,000 square meters and features 10 bastions, two gateways, and substantial walls. Within the fort, there are three principal churches: the Church of Bom Jesus, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Church of Our Lady of Remedies. The Church of Bom Jesus is especially famous for its intricate interiors, embellished with gilded altars, detailed woodwork, and colorful frescoes illustrating biblical narratives. It functions as both a place of worship and a historical landmark, embodying the cultural richness and historical importance of Daman during the Portuguese era.

The fort's walls also encompass several significant buildings, such as the Administrator's Secretariat, the Government House, the Dominican Monastery, Bocage House (known as the poet's house), the convent school, government quarters, and various governmental offices. A lighthouse situated within the fort provides a sweeping view of Moti Daman, Nani Daman, and the beach.

The fort's formidable stone walls and strategic design afford sweeping vistas of the Arabian Sea and the adjacent countryside, rendering it a favored spot for history buffs and tourists eager to explore the region's heritage.

Timings: 8 AM - 4 PM

Entry: Free