About 5 km up the Mandovi river, where the estuary is narrowest stands Reis Magos Fort. The name, signifying the Magi Kings (Reis meaning king in Portuguese), is derived from that of the nearby church, built in 1555.
In stark contrast to Aguada Fort it is ruined and deserted. Tourist may not even notice the splendid laterite walls rising sheer off the road as they drive past, so densely is it covered with wild foliage.
And yet, this was once a showpiece of the Potuguese – viceroys and important state officials would rest here during their travels to and from Lisbon, and it served as the Potuguese stronghold during the many attacks by the Marathas that characterized 18th-century Goa. At the turn of the 19th century, between 1798-1813, the British army camped here.
Considerably older than its neighbor, Reis Magos Fort was built in 1551, and again 1707. A steep road going up from the Reis Magos Chruch, built next to a freshwater stream, goes to the base of the fort. From here, a series of stone steps lead to its gateway.
Timings
Tuesday to Sunday – 11.00am to 5.30pm
What else to see at Reis Magos Fort
- Reis Magos Church