Diu - Gheos Worldguide

Diu

In 1535, the Portugues built a fort in the area and the city of Diu slowly developed around it. Diu remained under Portuguese rule until 1961. The island-city has a truly European appearance. Many buildings have wooden balconies and there are several churches. Diu is located on an island and it is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel.

It is a long train or bus ride to come to Diu, but the medieval city's scenery and monuments make up for the tedious journey. Most of the buildings in Diu are low-rise Portuguese-style constructions. The only tall building in town is the fort.

The island is arid and windy, the northern side consists is tidal marsh and saltpans, while the south of the island has cliffs, coves and nice beaches.

Points of interest

The City Walls, as well as numerous other buildings on the island were constructed using limestone.
The massive Diu Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1535. Limestine was used as its main building material.
The Fortim do Mar (Sea Fort) is located in the Diu channel between Diu and the Gogolá peninsula. It was built in the form of a ship.
Limestone Quarries from which the enormous quantities of limestone were removed, an still be seen.
The Zampa Gateway.

Religious buildings

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1593, making it the oldest church in Diu. The building is currently used as a hospital.
The old Portuguese St. Paul's Church was completed in 1610. It was built in the Baroque style and it is the only church in Diu that is still used as such.
St. Thomas' Church currently houses a museum.

Accommodation is available in the city of Diu. Buses run daily between Diu and Veraval and Bhavnagar, while trains connect the city with Sasan Gir and Junagadh to Una, some 10 km (6 mi) from Diu. The last part of the trip can be made by bus or auto-rickshaw.

Diu is located 1,055 km (656 mi) southwest of Delhi.

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