This huge fort was built by Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat (1526 - 1537 AD). Portuguese occupied the fort from 1534 until 1739, when the Marathas captured it. Portuguese developed the place into a city with cathedral, churches, convent, asylum etc. In 1739 AD Sriman Chimaji Appa, the brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, after storming the Sam Sabastio's bastion, captured the city. In 1802 AD under the treaty of Bassein, the Marathas handed over the city to the British, who, 16 years after incorporated it in the Bombay province.

The fort has long walls and two main entrances. The fortress has arched buildings, tombs, statue of Shivaji, a High school, few huts and Nageshwar temple. The nearby area is inhabited by fisherman community. The style of their dress is noteworthy. They have a different complexion and good in health. One can also see salt making by evaporating seawater.

Reach Vasai from Churchgate, Mumbai by local train and travel to the fort by ST bus. One can take a bus to Arnala fort from the Parnaka bus stand (16 km).



Cathedral Church