My Heritage Walks - Diu

Gujarat is a state on the western coast of India, sharing its beaches with the Arabian sea. Lying near the Tropic of Cancer makes the area hot and humid, thus molding the local architecture to its necessities.

I had been to tour the architectural splendors of Gujarat this May, and I would like to acquaint all to the variance and beauty of the various architectural styles of Gujarat.

My journey began from Mumbai, from where I took a flight to Diu, an island Union territory in Gujarat. Diu was a prominent Portuguese Colony till the 1960s, and was then conquered by the Indian Army and made a Union Territory.

Diu Shore

The major structures of architectural importance are the fort of Diu and the St.Paul's Church. The Diu fort was a Portuguese fort build during their colonial rule. The fort has a majestic entrance which opens to a walkway that leads to the main gate of the fort. Below the walkway, runs the maot thet is fed directly by the tidal waters.The fort has an accessible bastion upon which are placed three of the Portuguese style canons. 

Diu fort

Moat

The fort has the ruins of a weapons chamber, a church, a covered passage that leads to the once drinking water storage that now lies dry, and many more chambers that are in complete ruins, thus not specifying their purpose.

Ruin of weapons

Passage

Arcuate style of construction

Rafters in ruins

Fort ruins

Fort ruins

Presently, the Diu fort houses the local police station along with the prison and also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Opposite to the fort, a little into the sea, is a magnificent fortress prison called Pani Kotha that was constructed during the times of Portuguese colonial rule that was used to house dangerous criminals. It is said that it is next to impossible to escape from the prison. Presently, it adds beauty to the Diu shore during the day and is lighted up during the night to magnify its beauty.

Pani Kotha

The other principle attraction of Diu is the St. Paul's Church, named after St.Paul, an apostle of Jesus. It is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in India. It has excellent interiors carved entirely out of wood. The pulpits were also intricately carved with floral patterns that could be associated with the Portuguese style. Out of respect to the functioning church and the residing saint, photography was only permitted from the exterior of the church. 

Church facde

double column at St.Paul's

St.Paul's Church

             
Along with these two architectural, other tourist attractions are the Diu Museum, Naida caves and a multitude of beaches. The Gujarati cuisine with a Diu - twist is also a favorite. Another attraction to us architects are the traditional Portuguese houses that line the streets of the village of Diu. The use of vivid colors like the yellows, blues, violets and so on give the entire village of Diu an ethereal feel.  

Diu Museum

Houses in Diu

Houses in Diu

Houses in Diu

 All together, a complete blend of Hindu, Muslim ans Portuguese culture visibly blends together and evolves to create the ultimate Gujarati village, one that every architect should surely make a point to visit. I consider myself honored to have witnessed the cultural integrity of the historic village of Diu.

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