SPELLBINDING FORT AGUADA
HISTORY AND DESIGN
The history of Goa is intrinsically linked to the many centuries of Portuguese presence and rule. Before the arrival of the Portuguese most Goan homes were made of mud and had thatched roofs with a central courtyard.
In 1510 the Portuguese arrived in Goa and brought with them both cultural and aesthetic sense from Europe. This mixed with the newly converted Christians who incorporated many aspects of their Goan cultural roots resulted in a unique fusion, which was also reflected in the design of their homes.
Besides the bungalow type mansions with their wrought iron balconies and pillared porches, the Portuguese also dotted the coast with several forts.
THE FORT AGUADA
The fort was the most prized and crucial fortS of the Portuguese due to its strategic location.
Built in 1613 to guard against the Dutch and the Maratha warriors, was built on the beach south of Candolim.
A freshwater spring within the fort provided water to ships stopping by, this is how the fort got its name, "Aguada" means water.
Designed and brilliantly planned by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese Government in Lisbon and constructed during the reign of King Dom Filippe of Portugal.
On the fort stands a four-storey high light house( 43 feet tall), erected in 1864 , it was the grandstand for 79 cannons, and could hold 2,376,000 gallons of water. The walls are 16 feet high and 4 feet thick and it has a wide dry moat surrounding it.
The fort is divided into two segments: the upper part served as the lighthouse and watering station, while the lower part served as a safe berth for Portuguese ships.
Now the lower part of the fort is the central jail of Goa and is used to imprison convicts connected with narcotics. Most of the fort is now inaccessible but still worth a visit on your next trip to Goa.
HISTORY AND DESIGN
The history of Goa is intrinsically linked to the many centuries of Portuguese presence and rule. Before the arrival of the Portuguese most Goan homes were made of mud and had thatched roofs with a central courtyard.
In 1510 the Portuguese arrived in Goa and brought with them both cultural and aesthetic sense from Europe. This mixed with the newly converted Christians who incorporated many aspects of their Goan cultural roots resulted in a unique fusion, which was also reflected in the design of their homes.
Besides the bungalow type mansions with their wrought iron balconies and pillared porches, the Portuguese also dotted the coast with several forts.
THE FORT AGUADA
The fort was the most prized and crucial fortS of the Portuguese due to its strategic location.
Built in 1613 to guard against the Dutch and the Maratha warriors, was built on the beach south of Candolim.
A freshwater spring within the fort provided water to ships stopping by, this is how the fort got its name, "Aguada" means water.
Designed and brilliantly planned by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese Government in Lisbon and constructed during the reign of King Dom Filippe of Portugal.
On the fort stands a four-storey high light house( 43 feet tall), erected in 1864 , it was the grandstand for 79 cannons, and could hold 2,376,000 gallons of water. The walls are 16 feet high and 4 feet thick and it has a wide dry moat surrounding it.
The fort is divided into two segments: the upper part served as the lighthouse and watering station, while the lower part served as a safe berth for Portuguese ships.
Now the lower part of the fort is the central jail of Goa and is used to imprison convicts connected with narcotics. Most of the fort is now inaccessible but still worth a visit on your next trip to Goa.
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