Location:

Sinquerim, Dist. North Goa Bardez, Goa.

Seaside Fort

Things to see:

There is a stone inscription in Portuguese in the fort which states about its year of completion and ownership of the fort. There are two bastions on the fort which were strategically important. Apart from these there are some smaller bastions and walls which are surrounded by a moat, which form the citadel of the fort which is known as Fortalez Real. There is one underground chamber for water storage in the fort. One can see the Panaji town, old palatial home of Portuguese viceroy known as Cabo and views of Mandovi river. There is a light house in the fort which is four storey structure and built in Portugues style.

Past:

This fort was established by the Portuguese in the 1604 to check the attacks of the Dutch on Goa. The construction of the fort was completed in 1612. The fort was built by the viceroy of Goa by the order of Portuguese King Philip II. It was named as Santa Catharine. The fort was so strongly and intelligently built that it protected Portuguese rulers of Goa from all the attacks from neighbouring powers first by Bijapur Sultanate and then by Shivaji in 1666. Shivaji's son Sambhaji Chhatrapati and later Peshava also tried to gain control of Portuguese territory of Goa but it failed. The fort came to be known as Aguada as one fresh water spring was found in the fort and it helped the ships coming to the fort to get the fresh water stocks. The spring came to be the known as Main de Aguad. The fort was named as Aguada after this. A lighthouse was built on this fort in the year 1864. On 18 June 1946, as part of the freedom movement of Goa first Satyagraha was held at this fort. The fort was used for keeping the freedom fighters of Goa in prison.

Present:

The fort has one beautiful sculpture symbolising Goa Freedom movement. There is a jail in the fort which is still in use and known as Aguada jail. A part of the fort area is covered by Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort Tata group.

Nearby attractions:

Panaji

How to reach:

By your own vehicle:

Follow the route as given below to reach,

By public transport:

Panaji connected by direct ST and private buses from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. Nearest railway station is Karmali. Goa is connected to Mumbai, Pune and most of the regions of the country. From Panaji catch local buses for Candolim and Sinquerim beach.

Nearby Places for stay:

Panaji