Diu Museum

About:

The Diu Museum is a cultural museum located in the Union Territory of Diu. Housed in the old St. Thomas Church, the museum showcases a collection of artifacts, statues, and other historical items that reflect the Portuguese influence on the island. The church, built in the 16th century, is now a repository of historical and religious artifacts, making it an interesting visit for history buffs and those interested in the region’s colonial past.  



The Diu Museum has a very interesting story to tell regarding itself. The setting up of the Museum was in limbo view lack of availability of any dedicated space for the museum. The buildings in Diu were not considered fit enough to house these masterpieces (mostly antique and Stone inscriptions) it was decided to convert the old St. Thomas Church into a museum.

Location info:

Address:Diu Museum,Diu,Gujarat
District: Diu
AddressSt. Thomas Church, Diu, India
Language: Gujarati, Hindi.English
Best time to visit: October to May

Climate/Weather:

Summer: Warm and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 38°C (March to June) Monsoon: Experiences moderate rainfall, with pleasant weather (July to September) Winter: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 25°C (October to February), ideal for visiting.

History:

The Diu Museum is located in what was once the St. Thomas Church, built in 1598 by the Portuguese. After serving as a place of worship for several centuries, the church was eventually converted into a museum to preserve and display local relics, including wooden carvings, antique sculptures, and religious artifacts that provide insight into Diu’s rich cultural heritage.

Interesting things to do:

Explore the Historical Artifacts:
Discover religious statues, stone inscriptions, and wooden carvings from the Portuguese colonial era.

Admire the Architecture:
The building itself, with its Gothic-style arches and windows, is an architectural marvel.

Portuguese Fort:
Portuguese Fort in Diu was constructed on the ruins of another fortress, built by the Arab Governor Malekhyaaz ­around 1400 AD, which in turn was built over a still earlier fort dating back to 700 AD. At the end of the Fort Road is the Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu (29 m) built in 1535-41, standing like a guard on the east. In ravages of time, the Diu Portuguese Fort is now in ruins. A few cannon balls are scattered here and there. Above all, the last blow came when the Indian Army mounted Operation Vijoy in 1961.

Learn about the Portuguese Influence:
Gain insight into the history of Diu through the various artifacts and relics displayed in the museum.

Interesting things to Visit:

St. Paul’s Church:
One of the oldest churches in India, known for its stunning baroque architecture.

Portuguese Fort:
Portuguese Fort in Diu was constructed on the ruins of another fortress, built by the Arab Governor Malekhyaaz ­around 1400 AD, which in turn was built over a still earlier fort dating back to 700 AD. At the end of the Fort Road is the Portuguese Fort PraSa-de-Diu (29 m) built in 1535-41, standing like a guard on the east. In ravages of time, the Diu Portuguese Fort is now in ruins. A few cannon balls are scattered here and there. Above all, the last blow came when the Indian Army mounted Operation Vijoy in 1961.

Diu Fortim-do-Mar:
The island of Diu, an erstwhile Portuguese colony, is situated off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat bordering Junagadh district. The other equally beautiful beaches are Ahmedpur, Mandvi,Chakratirath, Jallandhar, and Gomtimata all having their own charm and thrill.The word 'Diu' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. During the period from the 14th to 16th century Diu was one of the best Sea Ports and a Naval base.Diu Fortim-do-Mar is one of the very magnificent and unique sites to visit in Diu. This famous monument has an excellent stone structure. Standing right at the opening of the creek, this monument boasts of a fabulous lighthouse and small chapel consecrated to Our Lady of the Sea. It is almost a nautical mile away from the Diu jetty and is accessible by a canoe or a motor launch.

INS Khukri Memorial:
A war memorial dedicated to the Indian Navy’s INS Khukri, located on the southern tip of Diu Island.

Mobile range info:

Mobile connectivity is available with most major telecom providers offering good coverage in Diu.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Delwada and Vapi railway station
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad and Mumbai International, airport
By Road:Diu is well-connected by road with cities like Veraval, Somnath, and Bhavnagar. Regular buses and taxis are available.

Nearest Visiting places:

Gopnath:
Gopnath by sea is just 80km from Bhavnagar, which has daily flights from Mumbai and overnight trains from Ahmedabad. It was the summer home of Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji of Bhavnagar 75 kms from Bhavnagar, Gopnath is well connected by rail and bus to Ahmedabad. The breathtakingly beautiful sea coast with it's spectacular limestone cliffs and great views, sea breezes and colourful birdlife, must have made an excellent break from the city during the summer months.

Ghoghla Beach:
A beautiful and less-crowded beach, 5 km from the museum.

Jalandhar Beach:
A scenic beach with soft sand and a calm atmosphere, located around 3 km away.

Saputara:
This hill station is situated in Dang district at the southeast corner of the state. It has an altitude of 1000m. This place has the Sarpagana river flowing nearby which has a sacred snake image on its banks. Saputara -literally, the Abode of Serpents-is Gujarat's best-known hill resort, situated atop the second highest plateau in the Sahyadri range and in the midst of thick forests. Saputara is picture postcard perfect with lakes, streams, woodlands and hills.

Gangeshwar Temple:
A unique temple with Shivalingas washed by the sea, located about 4 km from the museum.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

The nearest petrol pump is located in the town of Diu, around 1.5 km from the museum.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Radhika Beach Resort: A luxurious resort located near Nagoa Beach, offering premium facilities.

Radhika Beach Resort:Diu,Gujrat,India

Things to carry:

Comfortable shoes for walking inside the museum and exploring nearby attractions. Water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months. Camera for capturing the museum’s exhibits and the beautiful architecture. Light snacks, as there may not be many options nearby. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

Tips & Suggestions:

Visit the museum during the cooler winter months for a more comfortable experience. Photography may not be allowed inside the museum; check the rules before taking pictures. Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Diu Fort, Naida Caves, and St. Paul’s Church. Respect the historical significance of the artifacts and follow museum guidelines.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Surat civil hospital:Surat,Gujarat,India
Parsi General Hospital:Surat,Gujarat,India,Ph:0261 2423922
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.indianholiday.com

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