Fort Aguada: Symbol of Strength

Today, the smallest state in India may be defined by its beaches, parties and modernity but, truly, the heart of Goa lies in its heritage and culture. It is in this context that we must view Fort Aguada, built a hundred years after the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510.

This majestic fort, situated on Sinquerim beach at the mouth of the Mandovi River, overlooks the Arabian Sea and can tell tales of buccaneers, explorers, adventurers and traders. Built by the Portuguese over three years, from 1609 to 1612, the fort gets its name from ‘agua’ meaning ‘water’. A spring within the fort helped the crews of passing ships to replenish their freshwater stores.