Building inside the Reis Magos Fort on the west coast of India; Shutterstock ID 653693047; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Mandovi River side structures and sea view of Portuguese period Reis Magos Fort in Goa, India. ; Shutterstock ID 1079180624; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Reis Magos Fort, Bardez, North Goa of India; Shutterstock ID 1173685540; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Triad of Canons on the top of Fort Reis Magos in Goa India; Shutterstock ID 1663531144; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Panoramic View of Reis Magos Fort; Shutterstock ID 1753873295; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

January

17.4 - 35.2 °C

February

17.9 - 36.2 °C

March

20.2 - 35.5 °C

April

22.6 - 35.3 °C

May

23.0 - 35.4 °C

June

22.2 - 34.4 °C

July

22.4 - 31.5 °C

August

22.7 - 31.2 °C

September

22.7 - 32.2 °C

October

21.7 - 35.0 °C

November

19.6 - 35.4 °C

December

18.3 - 34.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa

Manohar International Airport (GOX), North Goa

Nearest Railway Station :

Madgaon Junction Railway Station (MAO)

Guarding history’s tapestry

Bardez, a petite taluka nestled in North Goa, emerges as a quaint counterpart to the bustling cityscape of Panjim. Amidst this serene landscape, the Reis Magos Fort stands tall, casting a commanding silhouette that exudes an aura of protection and security. Throughout its storied history, this fort has witnessed the ebb and flow of power, changing hands with the passing of years.

The incarnation of the Reis Magos Fort that graces our gaze today is a testament to the passage of time, bearing the marks of countless modifications and renovations. While its design and architecture have evolved over the centuries, its unwavering purpose remains resolute - to safeguard its rulers against the tides of invasion and conquest.

Despite being overshadowed by the more renowned Aguada Fort, the Reis Magos Fort holds its own as a silent sentinel of history. When stepping into its embrace, you will be transported back in time, enveloped by the whispers of bygone eras and the echoes of lost narratives. In the quietude of its chambers and courtyards, one can almost feel the weight of history pressing down, each stone a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the endurance of legacy.

The conquest of the strongest

The edifice of laterite and lime mortar that stands imposingly today, breathing a rich history of colonial rule, is a result of constant reformations. Years ago, in 1493, Reis Magos Fort was a military post built by a Mughal Emperor named Adil Shahi, Sultanate of Bijapur. An astute king, Adil Shahi, ruled with an iron fist till the cracks of the throne began to weaken its foundation. The Portuguese besieged the crown when it was at its frailest and gained supreme control. This was when the foundation of the Reis Magos Fort was built in the place of the military post. Initially, the grandness and the extravagant monument were used to host Viceroys and Generals who visited India from Portugal. However, when the invasions slowly started escalating, it was transformed into a strong military bastion.

Bowing down to architectural brilliance

Reis Magos Fort, an epitome of grandeur and regal grace, weaves its architectural symphony into a tapestry of poetic majesty, where every stone whispers tales of splendour and royalty. It was constructed even before Fort Aguada, but this piece of glorious structure's protection design is sharply detailed and calculated.

The Portuguese kept the approach to the fort at the narrowest point of Mandovi. It wasn't an incidence of chance but a strategy on purpose, as it made the fort unapproachable and indestructible.

Built for wars. Carved with beauty

Laterite is the most commonly found rock in Goa, which is why most monuments, churches, and even forts are dressed in its rustic brilliance. The Reis Magos Fort is no different. The high walls, turrets, and watchtowers, all of the laterite, were a deliberate and strategic inclusion to mark the enemy with ease and destroy them before they reigned havoc.

As the fort was close to a water source, it was easy for the soldiers to access this resource in abundance. The fort also has 33 canons of all sizes, acting as a stubborn and powerful shield against all invasions. Despite the Portuguese guard being high and mighty, the Dutch ships did manage to approach and pose an impressive threat to their rule.

Timings

Opening time - 11:00 AM

Closing time - 05:30 PM

(Tuesday to Sunday)

The avatar of the present times

Slowly and steadily, the fort proved to be an inefficient line of defence from foreign invasion. As it lay inoperative and redundant, the decision was taken to convert it into a prison. With the battering of time, tide, wind, rain, and enemy invasions, the fort started to fall frail and victim to external harm.

It did not take the government long to realize that it had to be conserved and restored to keep the monument's heritage alive. In 2008, in partnership with INTACH and the UK-based Helen Hamlyn Trust, work to revive lost glory was started. Gerard DaCunha, a well-known architect, was the chief of the project. His work was commendable and refreshed the look of Reis Margos so well that today, it stands as a popular tourist destination and a cultural centre.

Wonders around the fort borders

You can visit the ethereally beautiful Reis Magos Church. It was built way back in 1555 and is one of the first churches of Goa. The strikingly beautiful white structure is as splendid outside as it is inside. The entry from the shoreside is a calming experience. You can spend a few minutes here, but it might flow into hours without noticing. You can even visit Fort Aguada, which is heavily compared to the Reis Magos fort. If your heart is calling out for a pleasant beach stroll, visit the Candolim or the Sinquerim Beach and watch the colours play myriad shows during sundown.

Reis Magos is often a missed experience as it is not as popular as the Aguada Fort. But if you happen to make a list of the special places to visit, leaving this spectacle out would be a pity.