AGUADA FORT

It was a cool windy morning, the roaring sea waves and some ships sailing here and there, the Aguada fort is the place which guarantees this visual treat. This fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. This remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.

"Agua" in Portuguese means water, thus the fort derived its name "Aguada" to denote a place where water is accumulated.

An interesting feature in the precinct of the fort is a 13 metre high lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1864 and is the oldest of its kind in Asia, initially used an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised in 1976.

This lighthouse was home to a gigantic bell that was retrieved from amongst the ruins of the St. Augustus monastery at Old Goa. However, the bell has now been moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church at Panaji.

Part of the fort has been converted into the Aguada Jail, which mainly houses those accused of narcotics, sale of drugs and trafficking. This is one of the largest jails in Goa, and since it is very much in use, is closed to members of the public.