Aguada Fort

Aguada in Portuguese translates to 'water' and the fort has been summoned so for the spring within the ramparts that granted water give to the ships that summoned here arriving later the prolonged marine waters voyage from Lisbon. The fort was built by Portuguese in 1612 AD near Mandovi River. The concept behind the fort was to shield Goa against any enemy criticize from sea. Inside the fort, there is a spring, which was quicker adapted to deliver water give to the ships.

Though the fort is not the best preserved monument in Goa, it exhibits the splendour of Portuguese administer in Goa. An awe-inspiring edifice, the Aguada fort stands tall among the Portuguese-era forts scattered across Goa. Strategically positioned at the estuary of the river Mandovi, the 'Aguada fort' is one of the prominent places of historical interest amongst tourists. Compared to all other forts in Goa, Aguada is relatively small in size.The Portuguese erected this massive bastion in 1609-12 to ward off invasions from the marauding forces of the Dutch and the Marathas.

Located within the precincts of the Aguada fort is a four-storey lighthouse, erected in 1864 and arguably the oldest of its time in Asia. Unlike other forts, Aguada fort has withstood the ravages of time and one can still watch the interiors intact. It was not just the strategic location of the fort but also the presence of two hundred canons and thick fortifications that led to its invincibility. The invincibility of the fort can be gauged from the fact that it was the only fort that was not conquered during the four century rule of the Portuguese.

The Aguada fort is in a state of preservation and one can still witness remnants of the original structures. Its invincibility has added to its charm and it has resulted in the fort being the destination of choice amongst tourists visiting Goa. It now serves as a prison for the government of Goa.