Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos Fort

The fort of Reis Magos is located to the extreme south of the Bardez taluka at the northern bank of the river Mandovi. This fort was built by the Portuguese Viceroy Afonso de Noronha between 1551 and 1554 and was again rebuilt in 1703 and played an important part in the defense of Goa in 1739, against the Marathas. Only the Reis Magos Fort and the Aguada Fort were left in the hands of the Portuguese. The fort is strategically located at the mouth of the Mandovi river and was meant to thwart any attack on the city of Panaji by Sea.

The fort has intensive high sloping walls on its sides looking out towards the river Mandovi judging by its position on a steep slope wherein a walled corridor links the main fortress with the anchorage of the river. The water supply is provided from a fresh water spring within the fortress and it has many underground rooms and passages. The distinctive feature of the fort being the decorative bastions with cylindrical turrets looking out towards the river.

Located close to the fort is the Reis magos Church, the first church of Bardez. This church is well known for the colorful 'Festa dos Reis Magos' which is the Feast of the Three Wise Men. The feast is held on 6th of January every year. Along with the Aguada fort situated two miles away, Reis Magos helped the Portuguese thwart the relentless attacks of the Maratha armies. This is the only well preserved fort in Goa. The fort is currently undergoing a restoration by the archeological survey of India.