St. Thomas Fort, also known as Thangassery Fort, is a historic coastal fort in Thangassery, Kollam district, Kerala. It was built by the Portuguese in 1518 and served as an important military and trading post to protect their interests in the spice trade. The strategically favourable location of the fort on the Arabian Sea enabled the Portuguese to monitor and control important sea routes.
In 1658, the Dutch East India Company took possession of the fort from the Portuguese and strengthened its defenses to reinforce its position on the Malabar Coast. Later, in the late 18th century, the fort came under British control, reflecting the change in ownership. Although its military importance was reduced by time, the fort remained as a symbol of colonial supremacy and maritime ambition.
Today, only the ruins of the original structure remain, including parts of the bastions, the walls and the entrance gate. Built of sandstone and lime mortar, the fort displays classic Portuguese military architecture with thick ramparts, arched gates and sea-facing bastions used for coastal defense. The site, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and draws history lovers, photographers and travellers. The fort is a striking mix of history, architecture and natural beauty making it one of the top places to visit in Kerala.
