Aguada Fort is one of the most beautiful places in Goa. At a distance of 15 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 4 km from Candolim and 49 km from Margao Railway Station, the grand Fort of Aguada was constructed to prevent the entry of ships into the River Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from the attacks of Dutch and Marathas. Aguda Fort is one of the prime Goa tourist places and one of the major heritage sites in Goa state. Aguada Fort is one of the top attractions you must include in Goa packages.
Common Info
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 15 Kms
Visited From: Kadamba Bus Terminus
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2-3 Hours
Place Location: Past Candolim Beach
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: 1. Sinquerim Beach (3.3 Kms) can also be visited from this Fort.
2. St. Lawrence Church at Candolim (1.4 kms) can also be visited from this Fort.
3. Candolim Beach(5.5 kms) can also be visited from this Fort.
The Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese colonial rulers on the beach south of Candolim at the shore of the Mandovi River in 1612. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name 'Aguada' meaning Water. The heart of the fort was protected by two hundred cannons and a deep dry moat, which one still has to cross to get inside.
A central jail and a lighthouse built during the 19th century are also located near this fort. This is presently serving as the Central Jail. Aguada Fort boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms and barracks, Fort Aguada was the first line of defense as far the Portuguese control over the region of Goa was concerned. This lighthouse was home to a gigantic bell that was retrieved from amongst the ruins of the St. Augustine Tower at Old Goa. However, the bell has now been moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church at Panaji.
The Aguada Fort is easily accessible from Panaji and Mapusa through local buses, taxis and motorbikes.
Visiting Time: 9:30 AM - 6 PM on all days.
Entry fee and timings for Light house: 20 Rs/adults, 12 pm - 5 pm on all days.
Origins and history
The fort was constructed in 1612 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi River. It was initially tasked with defense of shipping and the nearby Bardez sub district.
A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada, meaning Water. Crews of passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. On the fort stands a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons. It has the capacity of storing 2,376,000 gallons of water, one of the biggest freshwater storages of the time in whole of Asia. This fort is divided in two segments: the upper part acted as fort and watering station, while the lower part served as a safe berth for Portuguese ships. Whereas the upper part has a moat, underground water storage chamber, gunpowder room, light house and bastions, it also has a secret escape passage to use during time of war and emergency. The lighthouse at initial stage is used to emit light once in 7 minutes. In 1834 it was changed to emit light creating eclipse every 30 seconds, however it was abandoned in 1976.
Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.
During the Salazar Administration, Fort Aguada was repurposed for use as a prison primarily, some claim, for Salazar's political opponents.
