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Reis Magos:
Reis Magos fort, surrounded by sturdy laterite
walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets, was erected
in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the
Mandovi estuary. The fort formerly accommodated viceroys and
other dignitaries newly arrived from, or en route to, Lisbon,
and in the early eighteenth century proved a linchpin in the
wars against the Hindu Marathas, who were never able to take
it. The bastion was used as a prison and is not open to the
public.
It
is situated on the southeastern extremity of the tableland
on the right bank of the Mandovi, in the province of Bardez,
about two miles to the northeast of Fort Aguada.
It was enlarged subsequently on different
occasions, and finally re-erected in 1707.
Though far inferior in size to the fortress
of Mormugao, yet standing on an eminence, it commands, a splendid
view all around.
It is in a good state of preservation, and
is defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison.
Towards the east, at a little distance from it, flows a spring
with abundance of excellent water, while at its base rises
the church of the Reis Magos, ascended by a beautiful flight
of stairs.
This edifice was built on the ruins of a
pagoda in 1550 by the Franciscans, with the sum allotted to
them by the Government, and bears a crown on its façade,
and the royal arms on its sanctuary and other places.
The pavement is dotted with inscriptions,
the most important of which, found in the sanctuary, indicated
the spot enclosing the remains of Dom Luis de Ataíde,
Count of Athoughia, who twice held the position of Viceroy
of Portuguese India and Goa.
This Fort stands on the north bank of the
Mandovi at Reis Magos, and is very much visible from the Panaji
side of the Mandovi river. It was used as a residence for
viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied
briefly between 1798-1813 by the British army. It was subsequently
abandoned by the military and served as a prison until recently.
See Also Other Forts:
| Aguada
Fort | Cabo da
Rama Fort | Chapora
Fort | Rachol Fort
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| Reis Magos Fort
| Terekhol Fort
| Other Forts
| Forts of Goa
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