The Mormugao fort is iconic and so are it’s legends.
This historical behemoth, still well-preserved and standing proud nowadays is regarded to be one of the predominant coastal forts in Goa.
Mormugao was once a necessary port for Portuguese ships. It is said that the fortress, which is simply a few kilometres away from the Mormugao port, was once constructed to protect the mouth of the harbour.
This Mormugao fort is one of Goa’s pre-eminent tourist spots and remains exceedingly popular to this day, probably due to the degree to which it has been preserved. Its formidable bulwarks and bastions are intact and fortify the area to this day.
The fortress is located close to the Mormugao port, a few kilometres north of Vasco. Although there are no precise timings, it is beneficial to go all through the daytime hours instead than at night time when the uneven nature of the terrain is difficult to navigate. The fortress is said to be at its exceptional all through the summer season.
History
The Portuguese always feared attacks in the coastal regions as their most important source of income was from trade ships. They, therefore, needed to be in complete control of the harbours and ports of Goa. The Mormugao fort was constructed to secure the port and the harbour.
In 1624, the Portuguese began the construction of a fortified town in this area. The then Viceroy was disturbed by the repeated forays of the Marathas and considered shifting the capital city of the Portuguese Empire in India from Old Goa to Margao. This necessitated additional fortification of the surrounding areas.
In 1703 the then Viceroy of Goa shifted his residence to within the walls of the fort. However, subsequent Viceroys felt that this area was not central enough and they shifted base back to Old Goa.
This turned out to be a fortunate move since the Marathas conquered the fort in the 17th century and it spent a few years under Maratha rule before being ceded back to the Portuguese.
Architecture
The fort was built in the Portuguese style of architecture. However, it was redesigned by the Maratha rulers owing to which some parts of the fort also depict the Hindu style of architecture. Inside the fort, there are a chapel and quarters for the guards which were mainly placed during the rule of the Portuguese in the fort.
Another important feature of the fort that adds to its beauty is the fountain that is located in the centre of the fort. The fountains which included Fonte de Malabar and Fonte de Santo Ignacio were believed to be taken from gold mine and Sulphur mine respectively.
There are also prisons inside the fort which were used by the Portuguese as well the Maratha rulers. The entrance gate of the fort has its own attraction as has been carved with names of Dom Francisco Da Gama as well as King Dom Fillip in which rule the fort was made. The fort was mainly made of brick and mud and its architectural beauty is well praised even today.
Image Source: trawell.in
The Fort Today
Tall and proud, guarding the mouth of the harbour until this day, the Mormugao Fort has end up a famous traveller attraction. The fort provides ample scope for lovers of scenic beauty and also for imaginative people who enjoy places steeped in historical significance.
The fort’s function overlooking the scenic Varca beach, has additionally introduced to its charms. During the summer, when the usual timber fishing boats are lined up on the shore, the seashore offers a eye-catching spectacle of which the fort has a bird’s eye view.
All in all, this is a not to be missed on your time out to Goa. The fortress is a extraordinary area for a day out even though it is recommended to carry meals and water with you. The location, no longer too far away from the city makes it a easy to reach. It is also a brilliant example of fort architecture in Goa.
Mormugao Fort Tourism Importance
With regard to tourism, the location is deemed to be one of the most visited historic vicinity in goa. The Varca seashore is positioned pretty close to the fortress the place fishing boat are located in giant numbers. This can supply a extraordinary sight for the site visitors in particular in the summer time season.
Again, the function of the citadel is additionally pretty close to the city are which makes it easy for the traffic to attain the place. There is additionally a backyard in the fortress which similarly beautify its herbal beauty. It additionally assures a soothing trip for the visitors. We can affirm that the fort can provide a never before experience to the tourists throughout.
