Which Is The Famous Fort In Goa?

Goa was ruled by the Maurya Empire in the ancient period, followed by the Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga, Adil Shahis of Bijapur, and the Portuguese before its annexation by India in 1961. All these rulers left their mark on Goan architecture. They built many forts to show their might and protect the state from enemies. Today, they stand alone as silent sentinels of the rich history of Goa. Wherever you go, you will find a Goa fort.

Let’s take a round of some of the most beautiful forts in Goa:

1. Fort Aguada

Built: 1612  

Location: Sinquerim Beach

Attractions: Lighthouse

It is a 17th-century Portuguese-era fort in Goa, well-preserved by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). This magnificent structure stands erect on the south of Candolim Beach, at the shore of the Mandovi River. The Portuguese needed a post to defend their ships from the Dutch army, so they constructed this structure. In 1864, a lighthouse came on the west part of the fort. But the lighthouse you see today isn’t the original piece. It was replaced in 1976 by a new lighthouse. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in Asia.

2. Cabo de Rama Fort

Built: Not Known

Location: Canacona

Attractions: Moats, Rampart Turrets, Chapel, and Cannons

This ancient Goa Fort is in ruins but draws substantial crowds. It switched hands many times and had been a witness to many battles. Also, its uses changed from being a defensive structure of the Portuguese army to a prison. It was a prison till 1955. Its history dates back to 1760 when the Raja of Soonda surrendered his territory including the fort to the Portuguese for protection against the Hyder Ali of Mysore. The Portuguese equipped it with 21 guns and constructed military barracks and a chapel.

3. Chapora Fort

Built: Not Known

Location: Bardez

Attractions: Panoramic Views, Military Barracks, Tunnel, St. Anthony Church, and Higher Slopes

Believed to be built by the rules of the Adil Shahi Dynasty, this fort in Goa served as a prominent military base camp of Marathas against the Portuguese forces in 1683. The Portuguese came here in 1717 after defeating the Maratha power. They carried out extensive repair and renovation work in the fort. They dug a tunnel to the seashore for emergencies. The Portuguese completely abandoned the fort in 1892, leaving it in shambles. Today, it serves as a popular tourist spot.

4. Reis Magos Fort

Built: 1551

Location: Mandovi

Attractions: Cannons, Church, Views, Viceroy House, Prison

In 1550, a group of religious preachers built a structure on the ruins of a pagoda with the alms given by the then government. However, history tells that this Goa fort belongs to the Portuguese army, who built it in 1551 to protect the Mandovi River from other rules, especially Marathas. They kept building the structure according to their needs. It was finally re-constructed in 1707 to accommodate Viceroys and other dignitaries arriving from Lisbon. In its heydays, the fort had 33 large-range guns to shoot enemy ships. It was also a prison until 1993.

5. Mormugao Fort

Built: 1624

Location: Zuari River

Attractions: Vertical Balurtes, Circular Tower, Rectangular Construction, Views

In 1624, the Portuguese settlement in the old city of Goa was under continuous attacks by plagues and enemies. The fourth Portuguese viceroy ordered shifting the capital to Murmugao and constructing a fort in Goa to defend the new capital. The construction started, but the Portuguese later abandoned the project, due to huge expenditure. In 1737, Marathas captured the fort and kept it under their rule for a long time. Today, the construction is severely ruined due to lack of maintenance.

6. Corjuem Fort

Built: 1705

Location: River Island of Corjuem

Attractions: Military School, Guns, Chapel, St. Anthony Shrine

Portuguese built this Goa fort as a defense against Maratha aggression and it defended them successfully till the 18th century. In the early 1800s, it was converted into a military school to train soldiers. A battery of four guns was also kept at the fort to strengthen its defense. Witness to many battles between the Portuguese and Marathas, the fort fell into disuses during the latter part of the Portuguese rule. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction for tourists. They come here to praise the magnificence of the architecture.   

7. Tiracol Fort

Built: 17th Century

Location: Terekhol River

Attractions: Views, Church, Maratha Naval Command, Symbol of Goa’s Liberation

This fort in Goa was built by Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, but it reached its zenith under Portuguese rule. The Portuguese completely revamped it in 1764 and kept it until 1961, when the last Portuguese convoy was evacuated from the fort. It also served as a rebel stronghold during the Portuguese Civil War. Now, a large part of the fort has been converted into a luxury hotel for vacationers. Tourists also visit the fort to see its remnants.

The good thing is that Goa luxury villas are available near the magnificent forts. Renting a villa is a great idea to stay close to the historical places of Goa. A villa is like a home away from home. It will provide you with peace and privacy you will miss in luxury hotels. Also, you can easily find a villa matching your needs and budget.

A 3 BHK villa in Goa for rent will be sufficient for a small family with kids or a honeymoon coupe. Here you get more space, privacy, and luxuries. Also, the luxuries and facilities available in the villa will be exclusively for you and your family. You will get a beautiful pool, well-manicured lawn, tastefully decorated rooms, luxurious bathrooms, a fully-fitted kitchen, and plenty of entertainment facilities.

Conclusion

Goa isn’t only about the beach and ocean. It is also about historical places. This coastal state has a rich history. Or you can say that it communicates with its visitors with its historical edifices. Make a luxury villa in Goa your vacation home and explore the rich history and culture of Goa during your vacations.