A colonial-era fort on the western outskirts of Chennai, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later occupied by the Dutch and British. One of the oldest European fortifications in the Chennai region.
Exterior viewable at all times; interior access limited to office hours
Free
Highlights
- Originally built by the Portuguese around 1553 as a trading outpost on the road between Madras and the interior
- Captured by the Dutch in the 17th century and later taken over by the British East India Company
- Strategically located at Poonamallee, a junction point on the Grand Trunk Road (now NH-4) leading west from Chennai
- The surviving fort walls and gatehouse are visible from the Poonamallee High Road
- Currently houses a government office; the interior is partially accessible
- One of the earliest European fortifications in the Chennai region, predating Fort St. George (1644) by nearly a century
Location
Explore Poonamallee
Discover more about the Poonamallee neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
More Places to Visit
Fort St. George
The first English fortress in India (1644), now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislature and a museum.
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