Read More on Fort Aguada
History
The Portuguese who were ruling over the region had started the construction of this fort in the year 1609. Fort Aguada was finally completed after three years in 1612 under the supervision of Viceroy Ruy Tavara. Fort Aguada Goa history is something to look into.
The Aguada Fort was constructed to safeguard the Portuguese against the attacks of the Dutch and the Marathas. This fort was the most crucial stronghold for the Portuguese in Goa and its surrounding regions. The freshwater reservoir inside the fort was used to supply the Portuguese sailing ships with fresh water.
The Portuguese army had many bastions in the fort and various gunpowder rooms were also available. Throughout history, Fort Aguada has witnessed many wars and a secret passage was also built inside the fort to help the Portuguese escape in case of war.
Architecture
A splendid example of the Portuguese military style of architecture, Fort Aguada is a wonder itself. Laterite stone, which was found in abundance in Goa was used to construct the fort. The fort is divided into two parts- the upper part and the lower part. The upper part of the fort was designed to serve as the fort for the Portuguese and it also houses a huge watering station. The lower part served as a safe berth for the ships belonging to the Portuguese.
Fort Aguada Goa was also constructed to defend the Portuguese against the attacks of the Dutch and the Marathas. So, the walls of this fort were as high as 5 meters and as wide as 1.3 meters. The fort is surrounded by the bastions on three sides while the fourth side has a gate that faces the Mandovi River.
Activities
- The four-storied lighthouse is one of the most attractive places to visit in the fort.
- The series of prison cells are also to be visited. The occupants of the fort used to keep their prisoners in these cells and they were tortured till their very death.
- The colossal water reservoir was the main source of freshwater for the occupants of the fort and various sailors. It is also a must-see.
- The ammunition room is also a must-see, the army used to store all their weapons and ammunition in there.
Tips for visiting
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the fort.
- Fort Aguada Goa ticket booking is not needed as an entry inside the fort is completely free.
Best time to visit
As per many visitors, the winter season is the best time to visit the Aguada Fort. Daytime is the best time to visit these caves and for trekking too. It becomes very unpleasant for the tourist to trek and check out these caves during a sizzling hot summer day.
Nearby Atractions
- Candolim Beach
- Rocky Beach
- Sinquerim Fort
- Sinquerim Beach
Nearby Hotels
Fort Aguada, Goa hotels are many. Being a tourist destination Goa welcomes visitors throughout the year and thus this place offers a variety of stay options. Goa has homestays, dorms, hostels, budget hotels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 5 star hotels, and resorts. Mentioned below are some of the hotels in Goa situated near Fort Aguada:
- Country Inn
- Holiday Inn Resort
- Resort Rio
- Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa
Interesting Facts About Fort Aguada
- The lighthouse at Fort Aguada is the oldest in the whole of Asia.
- The oil lamps inside the lighthouse used to emit light after every 7 minutes, which was later changed to 30 seconds to make it easier for the sailors.
- At a time, the fort had 79 cannons stationed.
- St. Lawrence’s Church is in close vicinity to the church, the Portuguese cleverly built this fort to prevent the enemy from firing at a close range.
