Fort Aguada Goa | Jail, Lighthouse, Images, History

"A Fortress of Tranquility"

Ways to Experience this attraction

Candolim: Heritage Walk of Fort Aguada Port and Jail Complex

1.0 hour

Deals start ₹700

4.3 /5

3 ratings

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Goa: Vagator Village E-Bike Tour with Chapora Fort Sunset

2.0 hour

Deals start ₹2,360

0 ratings

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North Goa: Private Full-Day Tour with Pickup and Drop-Off

1.0 day

Deals start ₹5,000

4.0 /5

7 ratings

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North Goa: Private Day Tour

8.0 hour

Deals start ₹4,300

3.7 /5

3 ratings

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From North Goa: Full Day North Goa Tour with Transportation

1.0 day

Deals start ₹3,350

4.8 /5

4 ratings

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From Panaji: North Goa Guided Sightseeing Tour

8.0 hour

Deals start ₹10,876

3.8 /5

13 ratings

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Fort Aguada, Goa Overview

Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort looking out at the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. The crumbling ramparts of the fort stand on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. The highlight of the fort is a lone four-storey lighthouse (which is one-of-its-kind in Asia )and a stunning view of the sunset.

Built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. 'Agua' and used to be a replenishing source of freshwater for sailors. In fact, it has the capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water and was one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs of Asia.

Fort Aguada has also been used as Aguada jail. A statue in front of the jail salutes the freedom fighters, giving the fort a touch of patriotism.

1. Aguada Jail

Once part of Fort Aguada, the Aguada Jail was established during the Salazar administration and symbolizes Goa's resistance and fight for freedom. Although closed to the public, it holds a statue comm (Read More)emorating Goa's freedom struggle. Every year, on June 18th, a ceremony honors the state’s freedom fighters here.

2. Aguada Lighthouse

Built in 1864, the four-storey Aguada Lighthouse is Asia's oldest lighthouse, originally using oil lamps to emit light every 7 minutes, later adjusted to 30-second intervals. Though abandoned in 1976 (Read More)and replaced by a newer lighthouse, it still offers an iconic view of the fort. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase for a small fee to enjoy panoramic sunset views, with the original bell now residing at the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji.

Read More on Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada History

Aguada Fort is a well - preserved Portuguese fort in India located near the Sinquerim Beach. Its construction was started in the year 1609 and was completed in 1612 under Ruy Tavara, the then Viceroy of Goa. Located in the south of Candolim town, at the shore of Mandovi River, the fort was built to defend Portuguese against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was also a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe as the lighthouse served the purpose. It was tasked with the defence of shipping and the Bardez sub-district in the vicinity.

Besides the lighthouse, the fort also has a moat, gunpowder room and a secret escape passage in case of war and emergency.

Architecture of Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is a fine example of Portuguese architecture. Made up of laterite stone, which is widely available in Goa, it has withstood the ravages of time. Standing tall against waters and strong winds, the magnificent fort has been built on Bardez peninsula and entirely covers it. It is surrounded by bastions on three sides and the fourth side has a gate facing the river.

Fort Aguada is divided into two segments where the upper part acts as a fort and watering station, while the lower part serves as a safe berth for Portuguese ships.

How To Reach Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is located on the Aguada-Siolim Road in Sinquerim, Candolim. The hilltop and the beach are of 4 km apart. This distance can be covered by hiring motorbikes or taxis from any of the beaches nearby. The per day fare of a motorbike is between INR 400 - INR 500. However, if you haggle you can get it for an even cheaper price. A valid driver's ID and a separate identity proof is mandatory for hiring any vehicle. There is also an alternate route comprised of a footpath spaning 2 km, however, it makes for quite a steep climb.