Information on Tiracol Fort (Goa) - History & Architecture

The Tiracol Fort is a particular structure that is located in Goa, India. It is positioned near to the mouth of the Tiracol River. The name of the fort mainly resembles with the Marathi word tir-khol which means river bank.

Tiracol Fort Architecture

The fort was made in a way where one can witness the beauty of the Arabia Sea standing in it. The fort was built following the Indian style of architecture. Though most part of the fort has deteriorated over the years but with the Portuguese rebuilding it in the later history, the beauty of the fort has still remained intact. It is one of the most well preserved forts in the history of Goa. The Holy Trinity church built within the fort followed the British style of architecture. In the present day scenario, the fort was converted into a hotel by the state government. Prior to its transformation into a hotel, the fort had the work of stone and mud with stones in some of its parts. The buildings within the fort have a two storey structure. The outer walls of the fort are tinted in white. The roofs of the buildings within the fort are made of esbestors. Since the fort is located at the hilltop, it can be viewed from a far away distance.

Tiracol Fort History

The Tiracol fort was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle in between the period of late 16th century to 17th century. However, the completion of the fort was during the reign the Raja of Sawantwadi. The fort was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle with the intention to use it during the time of battle. In this regard, 12 guns along with a barrack were positioned within the fort during the reign of the maharaja. It was in the year 1746 that the Portuguese intruders, under the guidance of 44th Viceroy of the state attacked the Raja of Sawantwadi. The group of intruders includes names like Pedro Miguel de Almeida and Conde de Assumar among others. On the 16th day of November in 1746, the Portuguese intruders defeated the naval forces of King Sawantwadi and took control over the fort after it was surrendered in 23 November of that very year. During the rule of the Portuguese, the fort served as an important part of thier maritime defence. Till the day i.e. December 1961, the fort was under the control of the Portuguese. Another important historical fact about the fort is that during the Civil War of the Portuguese rulers, the fort served as a base camp for the army.

Tiracol Fort Tourism Importance

The place is a major attraction for the tourists in the present day context. The flow of tourist within the fort is quite large in number especially owing to the fact that it has been converted into a hotel in the present. From the fort, one can see the view of the Arabian Sea and it will be a never before experience for them altogether. This also increases the flow of tourist on the future. Transport and communication of the fort with the near city is quite good and will certainly ensure convenience for the tourists. People who visit the place get the combine experience of staying at a hill top resort as well as experiencing the historical and architectural beauty of the fort which has the fusion of the Portuguese and Hindu architecture. These factors pull in a large number of tourist including international visitors as well.