Information on Reis Magos Fort (Goa) - History & Architecture

The Reis Magos Fort is located in a small village called Reis Magos in the northern banks of the river Bardez, in the Indian state Goa. The fort is quite near to the capital city of Panjim which makes it appropriate for the tourists to visit. Reis Magos is a Portuguese which means Three Wise Men.

Reis Magos Fort Architecture

The architecture of the fort has the fusion of the Hindu and Portuguese style of architecture since it was designed several times under the rule of the Portuguese and Marathas among others. The Reis Magos fort was bounded with laterite walls in the entire exterior. From the height in which fort is built, one can splendid view of the surrounding area. The fort is preserved well over the years. Artifacts of more than 33 guns can be found within the fort in the present day context. The fort was also made by the Portuguese in manner where abundant amount of water can be preserved which were used during the time of battle and crisis. Thier is also church within the fort which further adds to its architectural heritage. Starting from the year 1900s, the regular use of the fort reduced and it was finally abandoned in the year 1993. In the year, 2008 the fort was redesigned with the funds coming from the Helen Hamlyn Trust of UK along under the assistance and the guidance of the Goa government.

Reis Magos Fort History

The fort is one of the smallest in Goa in terms of the area covered by it. The monument is one of the oldest that is positioned in Goa. Notably, the fort was made roughly in the late 14th century. By the year 1993, the complete use of the fort was abandoned. However, historical records also suggest that the fort was built in the mid 15th century i.e. 1551 with the intention to defend the mouth of the estuary of Mandovi. The fort served as place for accommodation by viceroys and other administrative heads of the Portuguese rule during the period of 18th century. The fort was also used as a prison to hold the enemies and the intruders. In course of time the fort was enlarged and redesigned under the reign of different rulers in between the time period of 17th -19th century. It is believed that the entire structure was rebuilt by the Portuguese during the year 1707. One interesting fact about the fort is that it was built over the ruined structure of the Pagoda fort in the year1550. The fort was briefly used by the British army in between the period of 1798-1813 as a base for military activities during thier rule in India.

Reis Magos Fort Tourism Importance

The fort is one of the most visited places by people in Goa. This is because of the natural, historical and architectural beauty associated with the fort. People who visit the place enjoy the beauty of its architecture for each of its part which is well preserved over the years. At night under lights the beauty of the fort exceeds considerably. This also attracts large number of tourist. Moreover, the fact that one can get an extensive scenic beauty by standing at the fort is a new experience for the visitors. Tourists can reach the place quite easily owing to the presence of convenient transport and communication to reach Reis Magos. All these factors act as encouraging elements to pay visit to the fort.