Goa is known for its spritzing beaches and mind-boggling nightlife, but it also has a plethora of historical sites that take you on a trip back in time to the era when Goa was ruled by the Portuguese, as well as various other Hindu and Muslim dynasties. What it has gone through in the past has given it the attractive appearance it has today. Goa is capable of attracting millions of tourists each year due to its rich history and rapid pace of modernization. In this article, we explore the top 5 must-visit ancient sites when in Goa.
Fort Aguada
First on our list of the top 5 must-visit ancient sites when in Goa is the majestic Fort Aguada. Located 15 kilometres from Panjim, Fort Aguada is one of Goa’s most important heritage monuments. It is situated on the beach south of Candolim on the shore of the Mandovi River. The fort was built in the year 1612 by the Portuguese colonial rulers to prevent ships from entering the River Mandovi, thus safeguarding old Goa from attacks by the Dutch and Marathas. The freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name ‘Aguada’ meaning water. The heart of the fort was protected by two hundred cannons and a deep dry moat, which one still has to cross to get inside.
This fort is also close to a central jail and a lighthouse built in the nineteenth century. The Central Jail is currently housed here. Aguada Fort boasts of the first-ever lighthouse in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms and barracks, Fort Aguada was the first line of defence as far the Portuguese control over the region of Goa was concerned. The fort is easily accessible from Panaji and Mapusa by local buses, taxis and motorbikes.
Reis Magos Fort
Next on our list of the top 5 must-visit ancient sites when in Goa is the Reis Magos Fort. This historical site is located on the northern bank of the River Mandovi. It is 7 km away from Goa’s capital city of Panaji. The fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Goa, as well as one of the state’s most important heritage sites.
This fort was built out of laterite and sits atop a hill that can only be reached by a small staircase or a ramp. From the fort, one can obtain a beautiful view of the River Mandovi. The fort’s water supply is provided by a freshwater spring located within the fort.
The Portuguese Viceroy Alfonso de Noronha built this fort in 1551, and it was restored in 1707. It was instrumental in the defence of Goa against the Marathas in 1739. It was originally a fortified stronghold established by Adil Shah in the late 1400s that was destroyed in 1500.
The Portuguese utilised this fort as a sanctuary for viceroys and dignitaries arriving from Lisbon at first. However, they gradually grasped the fort’s strategic importance and began to use it to repel the Maratha armies.
In comparison to other forts in Goa, this one is rather modest. The British Army briefly seized it between 1798 and 1813. The military abandoned it after that, and it was used as a prison until 1993. The Archeological Survey of India is now working on restoring the fort.
Corjuem Fort
Corjuem Fort is situated 4 kilometres from the village of Aldona on the river island of Corjuem in North Goa. It was a military fortress for the defence of Portuguese India. It is smaller than the other forts in Goa, but it gives a good view of the surrounding river and land. It is a protected monument under the Goa, Daman And Diu Ancient Monuments And Archaeological Sites And Remains Act. It is one of the only two inland surviving forts that are made of pitted laterite.
The Bammons of Sancoale were the original occupants of the island around the fort, but it was raided by Marathas in the late 1600s, who later handed possession to Sawant-Bhonsle of Sawantwadi. Under Portuguese Viceroy Caetano de Mello e Castro, the control of the island came back under Portuguese India’s administration. The Portuguese built this fort in 1705 as a protection against Maratha attacks. It was subsequently rebuilt and reinforced by them to strengthen defences along Panjim’s coast. In the eighteenth century, this fort successfully shielded the Portuguese against the Bhonsles and Ranes, who were stationed just beyond the Mandovi River
The fort was used as a military school in the early 1800s, and its defences included a battery of four guns. It protected Corjuem island but fell out of favour following the triumph of the Novas Conquistas since it no longer served as a frontier defender.
Cabo De Rama Fort
The Cabo De Rama Fort is located in Canacona Taluka of South Goa. The fort is also known as the Cape of Rama. It was originally occupied by Hindu monarchs who expanded their authority throughout India. The cape is capped by a fort once a Hindu edifice later acquired by the Portuguese in 1763 from the Maratha King of Sonda and restored.
The fort has elaborate defences complete with a moat, gatehouse and several bastions. Large guns are still strewn across the tops of many of the fort’s bastions. The fort features a well and two springs, both of which used to have cold and hot water coming out of two distinct nozzles. It also houses a large water tank with stone steps descending into it. There are also fragments of buildings within the fort that may have served as lodgings for the troops stationed there.
The fort was invaded by many armies at different periods of time and has witnessed numerous battles, particularly naval ones. It was used as a prison till 1955 after it was taken over by the British from 1792 to 1813. The main entrance has been restored and yellow washed but the fort now lies in ruins.
Mormugao Fort
And concluding our list of the top 5 must-visit ancient sites when in Goa is the Mormugao fort. This heritage site is located on the southern tip of the mouth of the Zuari river in Mormugao.
The fort was built on the order of the Viceroy of the Portuguese State of India, Dom Francisco da Gama, Fourth Count of Vidigueira, for the defence of South Goa, which was then the capital of the state of India (Estado da India).
According to ancient epigraphic writings, his work began in 1624. Due to the constant plagues and invasions that afflicted the old city of Goa in that century, the Viceroys proposed relocating the capital of Portuguese India (India Portuguesa) to Mormugao, for which several structures were created. However, the project was abandoned due to its high costs.
During the Marathas’ attack in 1737, the territory was lost. Nova Goa (or Panjim, as it is now known) became the new capital in the nineteenth century. The historic fort is currently in a state of ruin.
With this, we conclude our list of the top 5 must-visit ancient sites when in Goa. So, during your next vacation in India’s sunshine state, after having fun on the beaches of Goa, head down to one of these beautiful historical sites to go back in time and get an idea of the state’s rich heritage and historical influences.
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