Goa, the smallest state in India in terms of area and word length, synonymous for the spectacular beaches, stunning parties and ultra modernity has lot more to offer in terms of heritage and culture in addition to its exciting touring destinations popular the world over.
A stark reflection of the state’s colonial history, the Fort Aguada is built in 1510 after the Portuguese conquered it comprehensively.
The fort that stands stall is located on the Sinquerim beach at the mouth of the Mandovi River facing the Arabian Sea.
Built between the years 1609 and 1612, the name of the fort comes from ‘agua’ meaning ‘water’. There is a spring within the fort that enabled the crews of passing ship to top up their freshwater sources.
The fort was bifurcated into two sections: the upper part functioning as a watershed, and a fort well insulated by a deep dry moat. The lower part served as a safe hour for the Portuguese vessels to hoard and top up their supplies, in addition to being a bastion, gun powder room and a clandestine escape passage during emergency.
Besides the huge cistern of the fort could store up to 2, 30,000 gallons of water. The high fort served as a citadel against invading forces during the Portuguese rule.
Main attractions of the fort include a four-storey lighthouse, one of the oldest in Asia, which was raised in 1864. However, it has remained out of use since 1976.
Interestingly, huge bonfires were lit on the ‘Hills of Pilot’ just above the site of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Pune to guide the sailing ships into safety.
It was under the administration of Antonio de Oliveira that he turned the lower part of the fort into prison, and protestors who demanded that Goa be handed back to India were imprisoned here. Today, it is more popular as Goa’s central jail housing those accused of trafficking and narcotics-related offenses.
Much of the fort today is acquired by the Taj group of Hotels as a Heritage hotel. Get yourself transported back to the time where the angry waves rolled the ships into its sheltered harbour. Definitely, worth a visit.
