Weather :
28° C
Time to Visit :
9:30 - 18:00
Entry Fee :
Free
Built in :
1612
Location :
Sinquerim (Candolim)
Must View :
The Lighthouse
Aguada Jail
Experience the sunset
Church of St Lawrence
Aguada Fort History, Overview
Aguada Fort is a 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The crumbling ramparts of the fort are located on Sinquerim Beach, about 18 km from Panjim. The main attraction of the fort is a single four-story lighthouse (unique of its kind in Asia) and a spectacular view of the sunset.Built-in 1612 as protection from the Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was the most prized and important fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez.Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada Prison. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, which gives a patriotic touch to the fort.
How To Reach
The hill top and the beach are 4 km away. This distance can be covered by hiring a motorbike or taxi from any of the nearby beaches. The daily fare for a motorbike ranges between INR 400 - INR 500. However, if you bargain you can get it at an even cheaper price. A valid driver ID and a separate identity proof are mandatory for hiring any vehicle. There is also an alternate route which includes a footpath of 2 km, however, this makes for a fairly steep climb.
Architecture of Fort
Aguada Fort is a fine example of Portuguese architecture. Made of laterite stone, widely available in Goa, it has withstood the ravages of time. Standing tall against the water and strong winds, the magnificent fortress is built on the Bardez peninsula and covers it completely. It is surrounded by bastions on three sides and has a gate facing the river on the fourth side.
Jail and Lighthouse
A part of Fort Aguada was converted into a prison during the Salazar administration. However, Aguada Prison is closed to the public. It has a statue which depicts the freedom struggle of Goa. Every June 18, a ceremony is held here to salute the freedom fighters of Goa.The Aguada Fort also houses a magnificent four-storey lighthouse. Built in 1864, it is the oldest lighthouse in Asia. There was a time when oil lamps were used to light every 7 minutes which was later changed to 30 seconds. The lighthouse dominates the landscape of the fort. It was closed to the public a few years ago and was abandoned in 1976. Therefore, a new lighthouse was built and named Aguada Lighthouse. A bell inside the lighthouse later became part of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji. For a small fee, a winding staircase can take you to the top from where you can have a beautiful view of the sunset.
History
Aguada Fort is a well-preserved Portuguese fort in India located near Sinquerim Beach. Its construction started in the year 1609 and was completed in 1612 under the then Viceroy of Goa, Ruy Tavara. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, south of the city of Candolim, the fort was built to protect the Portuguese against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was also a reference point for ships arriving from Europe as the lighthouse served the purpose. It was tasked with shipping in the surrounding area and protecting the Bardez sub-district.Apart from the lighthouse, the fort also has a moat, gunpowder room, and a secret escape route in case of war and emergency.
