Goa Forts

Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is strategically situated at the estuary of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this fort are 5 m high and 1.3 m wide. An interesting feature in the majestic fort is a 13 m high lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1864, initially used an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised in 1976. Nowadays, much of the site serves as a prison, and is therefore closed to visitors.

Fort Cabo da Rama
Cabo da Rama is located on the southern coast of Goa, this fort has been under the regime of various rulers until the Portuguese took it over from the Raja of Sonda in 1763. After taking charge of the fort, the Portuguese rebuilt it but did not put it to much use thereafter. It came under the British rule from 1797 to 1802 and then again from 1803 to 1813. After that, not much attention was paid to the fort. The remains of the fort were then used as a prison until 1955.

Fort Chapora
Located 10 km out of Mapusa, it has a splendid view of nearby Anjuna and Vagator beaches. The Portuguese built the Chapora fort in 1617. In 1717, the Portuguese rebuilt the fort.. The new structure of the fort was equipped with underground tunnels that ensured a safe getaway in case of an emergency.

Fort Terekhol
Terekhol fort situated on the Terekhol River, lies on the northern tip of Goa, on the hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea. In its courtyard is the century old church of St. Anthony. Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle built this fort in the 17th century but it was rebuilt in 1764 after the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida captured it. The remains of the fort have now been converted into a hotel, the Terekhol Fort Heritage. However, the St. Anthony's church inside the fort still remains.