Think you know Goa? Discover 7 fascinating stories behind famous places including Fort Aguada, Fontainhas, Old Goa, Reis Magos and St Augustine’s Tower that reveal a side of Goa beyond beaches.
Goa may be known for its beaches, parties, and picturesque streets, yet some of its iconic places have stories which are not common knowledge for many tourists. From the fort constructed around large freshwater to the reclaimed district, here is what some of the popular Goan sights will tell about themselves once you see past the photos.
1. Fort Aguada Was Constructed with Water in Mind
While today the views from the Fort Aguada are its major selling point, the role of water in its original design cannot be underestimated. Built in 1609-1612 by the Portuguese for defence of the Mandovi River approaches and as a source of freshwater for the ships, its name came from the Portuguese word “agua”, which means “water”. The cistern inside it could hold more than two million gallons.
2. Fontainhas Used to Be a Swamp
While today Fontainhas is considered as one of the most picturesque Goan districts, Goa Tourism confirms that it used to be marshy area of Panaji. Being reclaimed in the wake of growth of the city in place of the declining Old Goa, it is now known for its unique architecture.
3. Old Goa Was the Seat of the Government Earlier
The magnificent churches of Old Goa currently serve as some of the major tourist places in the state, but earlier, this place had been the center of Portuguese rule in Goa. Velha Goa emerged as an important city before the government moved the capital to Panjim in 1843. Monuments like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral still bear signs of that period.
4. Reis Magos Fort Is Older than Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada usually gets first mention, but the older one is Reis Magos. A military station existed at this place during the Adil Shahi Sultanate regime, whereas the Portuguese constructed a fort here in 1551. Its importance lies in the fact that it was situated at the narrowest point of the Mandovi river mouth.
5. Reis Magos Church Has A Remarkable Detail
Reis Magos Church, which was erected in 1555, lies beneath the fort and is famous for its unique architectural design. Historians have found certain proofs to show that the church was constructed at the site of the former Hindu temple. Lion motifs carved near the stairs of the church are reminiscent of Vijayanagara architecture.
6. Fort Aguada Is Associated With The Freedom Struggle
The Aguada fort went on to become a prison during Portuguese colonial rule. From 1946 onwards, the prison served as the place of confinement for peaceful protesters participating in the movement of Goa becoming a part of India.
7. St. Augustine’s Tower Has An Abandoned-Church Tale
The impressive ruins that can be found in Old Goa are actually the ruins of the large Augustinian church. The church was abandoned in 1835, and the vault of the church collapsed in 1842. However, the church was further lost. In addition, the impressive bell from the church was moved to Panaji’s Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in 1871.