Aguada Fort in Goa
The state of Goa is a coastal one. Goa is a beautiful place with a rich history dating to the past centuries. The different dynasties that controlled Goa brought many things with them and cut and created Goa.
This is the reason Goa is the diverse beauty we see in the present. The most notable aspects that these dynasties brought to Goa and especially the Portuguese included a variety of forts. They are frequently seen in a variety of Bollywood films.
However, while they’re stunning, they’re also hidden gems of the past. Explore the past of the two most renowned Forts: Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort before visiting these magnificent structures. Villa Humble Rock is situated in North Goa. You can enjoy at Private Pool Villa in Goa for Rent.
Aguada Fort
One of the oldest and stunning Portuguese Forts of Goa is the enduring Aguada Fort. It is strategically located in the estuary of the Mandovi river. It is strategically located on the Mandovi river. Aguada fort was constructed as a defensive measure by the Portuguese to regulate the entry into Goa through its Mandovi river. This was done to safeguard Goa, the Portuguese Goa capital city Goa, Old Goa from Marathas and Dutch adversaries.
Construction of the Fort
The construction of the Aguada fort began in 1609. The fort’s massive size was not completed until 1612. This was among the most solid bastions and the best defense bases constructed during the time of the Portuguese from Goa. With its thick battlements, which bordered Fort Aguada and a dry moat, it was difficult to enter the fort.
However, even with these security measures, the interior of the fort was protected with 200 cannons, making it a suicide mission take on the fort. But it didn’t stop intruders from attempting. However, none of them were able to secure the fort during the 450 years during which the Portuguese rule Goa.
The Naming of the Fort
The fort was given the name Aguada because of a freshwater spring that ran through the fort. The spring provide water to vessels and sailors who were docked there. The Portuguese word “Agua” refers to water. Because the fort was home to numerous wells the fort was called Aguada which was the name of a location in which water was accumulating.
The Famous Lighthouse of the Fort
A single of the more striking areas in the Aguada fort is the aforementioned four-story lighthouse. The lighthouse towers over the ever-changing ocean. The thing that makes this lighthouse distinctive is that it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Asia with four stories. The lighthouse was built not in 1609 but was later in 1864. It was initially built to accommodate the oil lamps.
But, when the lighthouse underwent a renovation in the year 1976, it was taken down and replaced with a contemporary light. The lighthouse that is located in the Aguada Fort has also housed an old, massive bell, which was salvaged from the wreckage of St. Augustus in Old Goa. The bell is now observed in the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, which is also called Panjim Church. Panjim Church.
The fort isn’t in the same state as it was when the Portuguese first constructed it. It was later renovated and turned into a prison. The Goa prison was the largest until it was closed down in the year 2015.
A visit through Aguada Fort is definitely worth making the trip if you’re visiting Goa. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, the crashing waves as well as an evocative past that echoes through the fort’s walls. It’s certainly a must-visit and shouldn’t be missed.
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