St Jerome Fort

St. Jerome Fort in Daman (celebrated across western India as Nani Daman Fort and an iconic 17th century Portuguese riverfront stone citadel, constructed between 1615 and 1627 AD by Portuguese Viceroy Dom Jeronimo de Azevedo to guard the northern bank of the Daman Ganga River estuary and control marine shipping lanes, world famous for its colossal carved stone statue of Saint Jerome, soaring riverfront ramparts, and historic Church of Our Lady of the Sea), located on the north bank of the river in Daman in Daman and Diu, stands as Nani Daman's premier military heritage fortress.

Covering a compact area of over 12,000 square meters directly facing the grand Moti Daman Fort across the river, this historic triangular stone fortress was engineered with three massive polygonal corner bastions to defend the northern harbor against Mughal attacks and regional naval pirates.

It's the home of the grand arched stone gateway crowned by a life sized stone sculpture of Saint Jerome holding a crucifix and scripture, the expansive elevated rampart walkway offering panoramic views of colorful fishing trawlers and dhows sailing on the Daman Ganga River, the historic Church of Our Lady of the Sea (Nossa Senhora do Mar) showcasing exquisite Portuguese carved wood altars and sacred Catholic icons, the peaceful Portuguese military cemetery with 18th century stone headstones, and an intensely evocative, breezy riverside atmosphere where ocean salt air and four centuries of colonial maritime history captivate every traveler.

It represents a rich 400 year-old Portuguese colonial fortification, coastal river harbor defense, and Christian heritage where stone gateways, Saint Jerome statues, river ramparts, and colonial churches unite in St. Jerome Fort Daman.

Located in Nani Daman along the riverfront promenade, it sits just 2 km from Devka Beach, 3 km from Daman Airport (NMB), 12 km from Vapi Railway Station, and 170 km from Mumbai via NH 48, easily accessible by auto rickshaw, taxi, or local bus.

1615 AD Portuguese Fortress & Saint Jerome Statue

Constructed under Viceroy Dom Jeronimo de Azevedo, the fort was named in honor of Saint Jerome, one of the foremost early Latin Catholic church scholars.

The main entrance gate features an imposing statue of Saint Jerome carved from solid stone, flanked by Portuguese royal crests and cannon embrasures.

Truth is, walking along the wide rampart walls while watching the fishing fleet return across the estuary at sunset is deeply striking.

Church of Our Lady of the Sea & Cemetery

Our Lady of the Sea Church: An ornate 17th century church inside the fort featuring gold leaf embellished timber altars and religious murals.

Colonial Cemetery: A secluded historical cemetery preserving antique Portuguese epitaphs, marble crosses, and gravestones of colonial administrators.

Daman Heritage & Coastal Tourism Circuit

River & Fort Link: Directly connected via the Daman Ganga bridge to Moti Daman Fort (1.5 km), Cathedral of Bom Jesus (2 km), and Daman Lighthouse (2 km).

Coastal Beaches: Connects smoothly with Devka Beach (3 km), Jampore Beach (6 km), and the historic Nani Daman Fish Market (500 meters).

After exploring the ramparts of St. Jerome Fort, cross the river to visit Moti Daman Fort, relax on Jampore Beach, or explore Daman.