Forts in Goa

Most Popular Forts of goa | गोवा में सबसे लोकप्रिय किले

What comes to your mind when we say the word 'fort'? It is a construction or building used for safeguarding territories by military forces during a war. If you want to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Portuguese constructions in Goa, the forts are definitely worth visiting. Tourists from all around the world love being here and exploring the colourful history of the beach state. Goan forts might presently be in ruins but are nonetheless fascinating. Let us venture together and talk about the ten famous forts in Goa.

 

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CHAPORA FORT

The original structure was built by Adilshah of Bijapur but the Portuguese rebuilt a fort here in 1617 with the purpose of strictly keeping a check over the Hindu raiders. It is believed that it was almost impossible to climb up and breach the walls of this fort or conquer it. But the Maratha leader Sambhaji came like a storm and broke this belief majestically as his army men scaled the walls with unmatched might and unparalleled ease. The Portuguese general in charge of the fort when saw this, was although shocked, but he was in some way impressed also. So without any sort of retaliation he surrendered the fort simply! Until the independence of Goa, it was ruled by the Portuguese. Their reign saw the emergence of underground tunnels which could serve as a probable means of absconding the area. Arrow slits, gun ports and murder holes can be spotted on the walls of the fort at equal intervals. The shooting of one of our favorite Bollywood films 'Dil Chahta Hai' also took place here!

REIS MAGOS

Always wondered which is the most well-preserved fort of Goa? Say hello to the citadel constructed by Afonso de Noronha, a Portuguese Viceroy. This fort was built between 1551 and 1554. It is located right on the hill onlooking the magnificent Reis Magos Church, at the merging point of the Mandovi river. The Archaeological Survey of India helped revive the fort as a heritage centre of Goa. The views from all sides of the fort are phenomenal and extremely photogenic in nature. You could click endless photos to fill your Goa holiday album.Pre-dating even the prestigious and much larger Fort Aguada, and situated at the narrowest point of the mouth of the Mandovi, it’s skilful construction and strategic placement made this fort nearly impregnable and it was an important asset to the Portuguese colonists. The first incarnation of this fort was a military outpost, built in 1493 by the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur. When the Sultanate was defeated by the Portuguese, a fort was constructed in 1551 to be the first line of defence for the then capital, Velha Goa. This fort was enlarged at various times, before being completely reconstructed in 1707. 

FORT AGUADA/SINQUERIM FORT 

The Aguada fort is a monument to Portuguese construction and engineering. Although parts of it have fallen to the ravages of time, much of it is intact and it remains the best preserved Portuguese fort in India today. Built over three years from 1609 to 1612, it once defended the Portuguese stronghold against Dutch and Maratha invaders. Built by the Portuguese, the Aguada fort is presently used as a prison. There is a lighthouse inside the fort which is believed to have been built in the 19th century. The fort was named Aguada which means water as there were many fresh water springs at the site. It stands as a symbol of Portuguese influence in the region and as a specimen of their beautiful architecture. Only some of the buildings of the fort are in good condition today and a part of it is a prison now. It is one of the largest prison in Goa.

CABO DE RAMA

The fort gets its name from Lord Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana. It is said that he and his beloved wife Sita took refuge here during the time they were exiled from Ayodhya. Hence the fort and the cape have been named for him. The fort covers an impressive 180,000sq.m. and is built, like most of the other ancient structures of Goa out of laterite rock. Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama Fort after defeating the Raja (King) of Soonda and subsequently renovated it. In the past, the fort has switched hands between Hindu, Muslim monarchs and the Portuguese and witnessed many battles in history. The present rickety structure with turrets and rusty cannons is a leftover of the Portuguese. The Portuguese equipped it with 21 guns and military barracks, as well as commandant quarters and a chapel. It was abandoned when the Portuguese left this place. Later, this fort housed a government prison till 1955 and was abandoned again. Today, this fort is in ruins, but is a popular tourist attraction of Goa.

CORJUEM FORT 

The Corjuem island fortification was built for the protection of the Portuguese in the 19th century. It gets its name from 'khorik' which is defined as 'deep' or 'lower' and 'zunvem' which means 'island'. It is a square-shaped fort which was erected in the year 1551. Watching the Goan landscapes from here is a definite treat to the eyes. The fort sports three rooms and a well along with a small chapel. The Corjuem Fort has also been said to house the famous chapel of St. Anthony in the past. The fort is proud of the fact that out of the two sustaining inlands, it is one of them. The fort is pretty charming and is adorned by carpets of lush greenery. The fort is fabulously constructed of pitted laterite stones.

MORMUGAO FORT 

The port of Vasco is guarded by this citadel which is situated in the northwestern point of Salcette. Although the ruins of the fort now only speak of the presence of a chapel and fort wall, it initially comprised of a chapel, five prisons and gigantic bulwarks. Mormugao was a significant port for the Portuguese ships. This was built by Dom Francisco da Gama for safeguarding the South Goa bar. It definitely deserves being visited!

TEREKHOL FORT 

The 17th century saw the erection of this fort by Maharaja Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi. Its location is on the Terekhol river. It was rebuilt in 1764 as it had been seized by Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida, a Portuguese Viceroy. The fort courtyard which houses the beautiful church of St.Anthony is a gorgeous place to spend time with your near and dear ones. It shall amaze you to know that it has been converted into a heritage hotel, Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, which is accessible by the general public only on special occasions.