Sometimes taking second chances becomes necessary. The first time I visited Reis Magos Fort, it was on a Monday and only met a closed door. However, determined to see this historic Fort, I revisited when it was open to public.
My main purpose of visiting the fort was witnessing another one of the renowned architect, Gerard da Cunha’s work. Chosen as the Chief Conservationist of the project, da Cunha worked as a part of the 2007 tripartite agreement between Government of Goa, INTACH and the Helen Hamlyn Trust to restore the oldest fort in Goa. The restoration process was five-year long and the fort was reopened in June 2012.
The fort is held by strong laterite walls and was of strategic significance, because it served as a defense to the port of Old Goa. Having been abandoned for decades, this fort predates Fort Aguada and has been used as an outpost and a jail, and has gone through very many changes in its history.
Hugged by the River Mandovi, my favourite part of this fort was the citadel. From here I saw the River blend in with the Arabian Sea and the infinite horizon.
Bonus: I ran into an exhibition of Mario Miranda’s work. What a blessing!
Good to know:
-You will have to buy your tickets at the reception.
-Tickets cost Rs.10 only.
-Fort timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 11AM to 5PM.
-Getting there: Verem, Bardez, Goa (Map)
-Do not litter.
Read: Top 6 Places to Stay in Hinterland Goa
Which other fort in Goa would you recommend?
See more photos from my travels on my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram.
Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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Beautiful place
:) It is.
Same to same. When I visited it was closed too. Some repair work was going on.
But yes, I have visited today. Thanks to you. Thankyou.
Maybe will visit second time – maybe this winter.
Winter may be a better time to go, cooler days :) Have fun!
this is the sort of thing that gets overlooked by visitors to Goa. Looks well worth a visit thanks for sharing – great pics! Looks a little isolated and away from the crowds!
Oh this is absolutely away from the crowds, most people don’t know about it :p It was lovely!
Dear Amrita Das,
I agree with you on the beautiful scene where the river Mandovi river meeting the sea. I loved the view too when I visited it. The Magos fort itself is a beauty to see. Reading your blog was like reliving the experience of visiting the fort and I loved it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it :)