GOA MONUMENTS

Aguada Fort, Goa
If you believe Goa is only about beach, wine and fun, check your memory. This thin strip of land was once the seat of power of the Portuguese, and hence it is not bizarre that one will find remnants of history sprawled all over the terrain. Erroneously forts have always been related to history. But these imposing edifices not only speak of yore, at least not in Goa. They shout for fun too. The pleasure of scaling the heights os a Goan fort to enjoy the view over the Arabian Sea or watch the setting sun turn its old ramparts to burnished gold can be an enriching change from beach lounging. Stretching from Tiracol Fort at the northern most tip of Goa, to Cabo da Rama Fort in the south, are remnants of colossal castles that once guarded Portugal's newly annexed territory from land and sea conquests. Remember, the forts of Goa were strategically located and strongly garrisoned to protect the entrance to the port or to the provinces around.

Once parapets of military expertise along with encouraging a leisure purpose, these forts of historical importance have now fallen to ruin with only a few being used either as a prison or a hotel, or as in the case of Cabo Palace, which is the official residence for the Governor of Goa. Even if the laterite walls are covered with lichens, even if these archaic seats of power want to shed their responsibility, they, however, remain integral to Goa's architectural heritage.

The Portuguese Prejudice
If you happen to visit the forts of Goa, you will see how much possessive the Portuguese were about their creations. They used the latest engineering knowledge available to them to build these bastions of power. The parapets of the fort were usually low (which is uncommon when one thinks about the elephantine walls of Rajasthan), but thick and tapering and punctuated by cylindrical turrets. A wide moat enveloped the fort which acted as the first line of defence. The second line was, obviously, the large cannons that were mounted on the ramparts.

Chapora Fort, Goa
Fort Aguada, perched high on a cliff overlooking Aguada Bay and the mouth of the Mandovi river was perhaps the strongest fort shielding Portuguese territory. The 8-minute drive from Candolim to the Sinquerim Plateau is an exciting way to explore the rugged-but-green terrain of Goa. Ask the locals and they will tell you many interesting stories about this stately fort, which was built in 1612 as a prime seat of defence for the golden fort of Old Goa. Get a taxi from Panjim bus stand to reach Keri, then ferry to reach the famous 18th century Tiracol Fort. The high battlement walls were its defence towards the sea, while on the landside was a dry moat. Don't forget to visit the tiny chapel of St. Anthony, nestling in the laterite paved courtyard with a magnificent statue of Christ in front of it.

While holidaying in Goa, you just cannot miss the pleasure of walking on the ramparts of the Chapora Fort. Located on the southern headland of the Chapora River, this proud fort was originally built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Walk across the laterite walls and cupola-topped turrets, spend some time beside the serene springs or simply sit on the ramparts and gaze at the horizon floating silently over the Arabian Sea. Lying desolate since the 19th century, the relics of the fort tower magnificently over the green hills and beaches around.

The House of The Head
Above Panjim, dominating the mouth of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, is Cabo Fort. Once an imposing structure, it held an entire citadel. Now it is the known as the Raj Bhawan and is the official residence of he Governer. Undoubtedly, it enjoys the status of being the most elegant of India's Raj Bhawan. To visit the Museum housed inside the Bhawan premises, you have to take a prior permission from the ADC Office. The information about your appointment will be then communicated to Goa Police Department at Raj Bhawan, which will give you permission to enter. If you happen to be in Goa in August, remember to attend the Feast of Chapel of Virgin Mary, celebrated on 15th August, which coincides with the Independence Day.

Reis Magos Fort
Though far inferior in size to the fortress of Marmugao, yet standing on an eminence, its commands, splendid view around. It is in a good state of preservation, and is defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison. Towards the east, at a little distance from it, flows a spring with abundance of excellent water, while at its base rises the church of the Reis Magos, ascended by a beautiful flight of stairs.

This edifice was built on the ruins of a pagoda in 1550 by the Franciscans, with the sum allotted to them by the Government, and bears a crown on its façade, and the royal arms on its sanctuary and other places. The pavement is dotted with inscriptions, the most important of which, found in the sanctuary, indicated the spot enclosing the remains of Dom Luis de Ataíde, count of Athoughia, who twice held the position of Viceroy of Portuguese India and Goa.

This Fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi at Reis Magos, and is very much visible from the Panaji side of the Mandovi river. It was used as a residence for viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly between 1798-1813 by the British army. It was subsequently abandoned by the military and served as a prison until recently.

Terekhol Fort
This fort is situated on the northern bank of the Terekhol river. It was built by the Raja of Sawantwadi and was captured by the Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Pedro de Alameida in 1746.The church and the fort were rebuilt then. It was the site of a revolt led by the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa , Dr Bernardo Peres da Silva in 1825. He used it as a base for an armed revolt against the Portuguese but this attempt was crushed by the Portuguese forces. He never returned to Goa.

Ancestral Goa
At a distance of 10-km from Margao is the Ancestral Goa, a mock up village dating back to a century. Built in a verdant hillside, this place offer an exquisite sight to behold.

The Gate Of The Palace Of Adil Shah
Located at Old Goa is the Palace of Adil Shah, a most prominent building with magnificent lofty staircases. It was the residence of the Portuguese governors till 1695, and was afterwards used by them on festive occasions.

The Gate Of The College Of St Paul
Once the principal institution of Jesuits in India for imparting knowledge on Christianity, the College of St. Paul was built over the ruins of a mosque south of St. Cajetan's church at Old Goa in 1542.

The Viceroy Arch
The Viceroy's Arch made of laterite is one of the most amazing monuments built by the Portuguese soon after their conquest of the city.