St Jerome Fort, Daman And Diu

This huge fort is also known as the Nani Daman Fort. The most conspicuous part of this place is its magnanimous gateway that faces the river.

There is a large statue of St. Jerome, one of the most eminent fathers of the Catholic Church, inside the fort premises. The complex contains other attractions namely the church of Our Lady of the Sea and a Jain temple. The fort on the whole offers a beautiful view of the fish market below and the hustle-bustle that comes along with it. The scenery is beautiful and this is one of the most pretty and popular tourist attractions.

History

Daman was taken from its Gujarati ruler by the Portuguese in 1531 but was only officially handed over to the Portuguese in 1559 by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Diu became a Portuguese colony in 1539 after the signing of a peace treaty by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah. The territories remained Portuguese colonies till they were freed in 1961. A visit to the historical place of St.Jerome Fort in Daman will give you a clear insight into the history of the place.

Architecture

As you enter the complex of Daman Fort of St.Jerome you shall first notice the opulent gateway facing the river with a large statue of St. Jerome who was one of the most renowned priests of the Catholic Church. St. Jerome, who was born Eusebius Hieronymous Sophronius, was the most scholarly of the Fathers of the Western Church. He was born about the year 342 at Stridonius, a small town at the head of the Adriatic. The principal building inside the fort is the impressive Church of Our Lady of the Sea. This Catholic Church is one of the earliest seats of office and has an excellent altar with superb paneling. The ramparts are a good place from which to take a clear view of the fish market and small fishing fleet which anchors alongside. To the north is a Jain Temple whose inside walls are covered with glassed-over 18th-century murals that portray the life of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira was born in 599 B.C. He lived for 72 years. He discarded family life in 569 B.C. He attained omniscience in 557 B.C. and entered Nirvana in 527 B.C. He was the last Tirthankara. Mahavira lived a life of complete truthfulness, a life of perfect honesty, and a life of absolute chastity.