Tourism of India

Aguada Fort

About Goa

Goa is famous for its historic churches, temples, traditional homes, colorful festivals, lush green countryside, rich flora and fauna, fabulous cuisine, and exotic beaches. The magical land of Goa is decked with popular tourist destinations like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla, the Calangute Beach, the Baga Beach , etc. The Forts in Goa, as well, are a big crowd puller among the tourists from world over.

Forts in Goa

The imposing forts in Goa are remnants of the enormous castles that once guarded the territory newly invaded by the Portuguese from land and sea conquests. These forts are advantageously located and well-barracked to protect the entrance to the port or to the provinces nearby. At present, most of these forts have become dilapidated, except for a few that have been transformed into a prison or a hotel. Yet, the laterite walls of these historic forts, though covered with lichens, carry the legacy of Goa's architecture. The Aguada Fort near Mandovi River in Goa is one of them .

Aguada Fort

Built by the Portuguese in 1612 AD, the Aguada Fort was strategically built near the Mandovi River to shield Goa from any external enemy attacks from the sea by the Dutch and the Marathas. The fort has walls that are 5 meters high and 1.3 meters wide. Partly converted into central jail, the fort happens to be the largest prison in Goa .

The fort derived its name from the Portuguese word Agua, meaning water. True to the name, this famous fort has a large well and many natural springs around it. A major attraction of this imposing fort is the 13 meter high lighthouse built in 1864. Earlier, the lighthouse housed an enormous bell salvaged from the ruins of the St. Augustus monastery , but it was later shifted to the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception at Panaji .