Reis Magos Fort, Goa, History, Location, Timing
Reis Magos Fort, Goa is one of the lesser known forts of Goa, but it has an impressive history!
History of Reis Magos Fort, Goa
The Mandovi is a quiet river of Goa, but when Alfonso de Albuquerque made his entry in to the waters he got a feel of the might of a small fortified outpost. The outpost was under the king of Bijapur Yusuf Adil Shah on the southern side of Bardez Taluka. This was in the February of 1510. This outpost located in the narrowest point of the river had strategic significance.
Albuquerque somehow managed to stay put at Old Goa. However Old Goa too was soon conquered by the Sultans. With the onset of monsoon that year the Indian soldiers at the outpost caused heavy damage to his forces. But by the end of the same year Albuquerque reversed his losses and conquered the territories of Bardez and Salcete.
Entrance to Reis Magos Fort
There is a taxi drop at the fort gate from the the ticket counter. We spotted a huge banyan tree at the entrance. The history of the tree was neatly displayed on a board there. What looked ordinary did have a story after all!
Banyan (Ficus) tree at the entrance to the fort did not exist here till 1900. It started its life as a parasite on a coconut tree and grew on to strangulate it. In 2008 the dead coconut tree caught fire, the banyan tree began to buckle and collapse. It was trimmed and held with a steel rope and reinforced concrete column. When the tree finally stabilized on its own the supports were removed in 2010.
Tour of Reis Magos Fort
The Fort is situated on the steep slope of headland, a little above the old outpost. Reis Magos Fort is reputed to have excellent defensive system capable of curbing the crossing of enemy ships through the Mandovi waters. It offered first line defense to the port town of Old Goa.
The death hole through which hot oil was poured into enemy troops. This was in the entrance.
A grilled door of one of the prison cells looking out into sea.
Gallery displaying Mario’s work. This hall was earlier used as a prison.
This fort was initially used as a prison in 1962 after Goan liberation. They added 8 structures haphazardly to make house stores, toilets, kitchens and converted it to a prison. Then for some years it was in ruins. After some years of use as a prison the fort has been put to various other uses. Consequently renovations were carried out again and the fort has got a wonderful face lift now.
Museum in Reis Magos Fort
Today it is a museum dedicated to famous Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda. The gun loops (a series of arched caverns housing cannons pointing towards the sea) at the lower portion of the fort too houses several works of Mario.
In its heyday the fort had 31 canons, now only 7 are left.
Gun loop with a display Of Goan cartoonist Mario’s work.
Location of Reis Magos Fort, Goa Verem, Bardez, Goa 403114, India
Timings: Reis Magos Fort, Goa is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11.00 am to sunset.
Ticket: Rs. 50 for adults.
How beautiful Indrani. We look forward to seeing Goa one day. We did visit Kovalam Beach way down the coast in 2013.
great snaps
You are absolutely right, Indrani. Very few people visit Reis Magos. It is such a pity, because it is certainly worth a visit. Thanks for writing about this fort.
It was nice reading about this fort. Lovely captures too!
I’ve not visited Goa yet but it is on my bucket list! Thank you for all the beautiful pictures, I would love to experience it for myself one day! Charlie xo
I’ve never heard of this place before, but it was really great to learn about its history and other details. I love the pictures a lot, they make me want to visit this spot one day. 🙂
THank you Indrani! I must go there if one is in Goa again!
Nice photographs
It was quite by chance we went to Reis Magos fort. Someone said there is a fort which is good condition. Since we had some time we braved the traffic to reach Reis Magos. We were pleasantly surprised to find Mario Miranda’s works exhibited there. We actually spent almost half-a-day here 🙂
We felt, Fort by itself was not much to write home about.
Goa looks amazing! I will be adding it to our travel bucket list!
Beautiful photos, amazing tree in the second photo. 🙂 Greetings from Poland. 🙂
That is a really beautiful place that is rich in history. That is something that place is over 500 years old.
It’s so fabulous to see another side of Goa beyond the beaches. Reis Magos Fort definitely seems to have an incredible history, from military to a haphazard prison, and then in ruins. It’s good to hear that they’re put in efforts to restore such a piece of heritage and create a museum.
Looks pretty cool from the inside, a little bit smaller than I’d imagine forts though. I haven’t heard of this particular fort in Goa but then whenever we went to Goa, it wasn’t about exploring the place, it was about going to the beaches and parties 🙂 That was when we were very young, of course! I need to go back now and see beyond the beach shacks and clubs.
It is nice to treat yourself with some nice architecture in a destination like Goa! Did you find any similarities with the architecture in Portugal? I have never been to Goa yet, but this fort reminds me of those located in Galle, Sri Lanka.
The Reis Magos Fort is yet another interesting piece of Goan history. That Banyan tree sure has a story to tell – surviving a fire after suffocating a coconut tree! And if I had a prison cell with such a nice view of the ocean, I may not mind if they lose the key.
The history of Reis Magos Fort is indeed fascinating. This is one of the lesser-known treasures of Goa and a place we will check out on our next trip to Goa.The fact that the fort is now a museum showcasing the works of Mario Miranda makes it even more attractive.
I remember you telling me about this church when we visited the Mario museum near the Houses of Goa. I was intrigued then and even more now after seeing these pictures. I can’t believe that I have missed it so far. I have to makeit up the next time I am back in Goa.
The historical Reis Magos Fort is sure a place o visit. I didn’t know Goa had sites such as these. And the Bayan tree story too. Spending the day in this quaint site will be a good idea and not everytime touristy areas. There’s no one photobombing. Good one
I can’t believe that the Banyan tree started as a parasite on a coconut tree! It looks pretty big and it’s so good that they reinforced it with a concrete column to keep it up!
I have been looking for offbeat places in Goa for our next trip there, and this Fort fits in very well. Interesting that they’ve allocated exhibition space for Mario Miranda. I still need to know a lot about Goa’s history. I believe Reis Magos means three kings.
What a wonderful history the Reis Magos Fort has. I love visiting places with such amazing pasts. I would have never known this wonderful place was in Goa. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I didn’t know about this fort. It is perhaps overshadowed by the more famous Fort Aguada. I will use this blog and make sure to visit it on my next Goa trip. I would love to hire a scooter and explore it on my own. It sure looks ancient!
What a cool spot to visit! I had no idea that Reis Magos Fort was in Goa–though truthfully, my mind doesn’t stray far from beaches when I think about Goa, lol. Definitely a cultural sight worth adding to the list in between beach bumming!
All people talk about Goan beaches and very few people knew about the Portugese forts and their establishments in Goa. It is very good, that your post has thrown the light on some hidden gem of Goa. Reis magos fort has interesting history, with prison cells, canons, view of sea . Also I would love to see the cartoonist’s work displayed in fort. Entrance tickets of INR 50, are quite affordable.
The fort looks fascinating as well as intriguing. I love exploring old forts and peeping into a bygone era. Although I’ve been to Goa multiple times, I haven’t visited Reis Margos. I’ll explore this fort on my next visit. Thanks for sharing this lovely piece of History!
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about the Reyes Magos in Spain or why we receive the presents so late in Spain for Christmas, and now I find this post! ha! I had no idea of the existence of this fort! Thank you for sharing…
There seems to be a lot of history at Reis Magos. The story of the fig tree was particularly interesting. I am surprised that it was able to stabilize itself. Usually, nature has a way of taking it’s course but, in this case, the will of man prevailed.
I have only heard about the beaches in Goa. This fort has definitely my curiosity because I love visiting forts and other historical architectural features. I should add this to my bucket list – the structure is truly impressive!
I was surprised to understand a bit of Portuguese in the names of the place and then I researched that Albuquerque was, indeed, from Lisbon, so I guess that’s where the Reis Magos name comes from… Yeah, I’m not particularly known for my deductive skills. Anyways, super interesting place and lovely pictures. I have heard marvellous things about Goa so I can’t wait to visit myself =)
Goa is definitely the first place I’d like to visit if I ever get to India. The history with the Portuguese is very interesting, such as this fort. I definitely learned a lot about this place from reading this post; and yes, it’s going on the bucket list!
Gorgeous Goa and such a rich history about Reis Magos Fort. Can’t believe that I am reading this wonderful and enriching post after three to four years. Your writing gives the feeling of living in that era.
That is a very tenacious tree!
Glad you could explore Goa, Indrani and bring in the off beat locations. I know many more would be discovered in the next few years!
Thanks to share such a nice post and I missed to visit this place wen i come at goa.
Loved the canon and the tree.
Great tour to this fort come museum! Prisoners should have got a great view from there to be glad at least.
Wonderful clicks Indrani…..:)
All the pics speak, Indrani 🙂
What a fascinating place! Loved the banyan story as well. Never heard of it before.
Great post. It's fascinating to know the history of the Banyan tree. How do you get this information?
Interesting post Indrani… good that the banyan tree is saved and its great it houses stuff of Mario.. I love his work .. Beautiful share 🙂
Superb one ya 🙂
Goa is a all time destination for photography.
I was here in 2011. Didn't know one could go in. I had heard they were planning to convert it into a hotel?
Goa known for its beaches and its different culture but your post showing another face of Goa. great pics
Lovely post! The kind of Goa you don't read about, often. 🙂
I enjoyed the shots and interesting narrative.
Beautiful ! Love your pictures!
Pretty interesting stuff…the picture of the "Death hole" is amazing…
Very interesting post. I hope to get to Goa one day.
I am currently reading An Area of Darkness: A Discovery of India by V.S. Naipaul and he covers some of the fascinating aspects of Indian history like how these forts were used. I can't believe they poured hot oil on the prisoners!
How interesting that the fort has been made into a gallery!
Interesting post….. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for this interesting piece of history!
Have a great rest of the week.
Wil, ABCW Team.
Lovely post.. And goes to prove one thing.. There is so much to see in India and most of us have do not even have a clue.. A shame that it is not promoted properly
A fascinating history and wonderful photos. Thank you Indrani!
Very cool. You end up in the most interesting places.
It is an interesting place.. I like that the ficus tree survived, great story.. Have a happy day!
Wonderful post and beautiful photos.
What a lovely and interesting place.
Lovely post on Reis Magos fort.
what a great piece of your history. wonderful images Indrani.
A bit of history,plenty of information and lots of pictures are the distinguishing features of this nice post.One would like you to be travelling frequently to get a feel of our country through your posts!!!
Amazing how the ficus tree started and how it was helped to grow on its own. Fascinating stuff!
Such fascinating history I must know! Thank you, I
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Interesting pick to house Mario Miranda's work! Looks like a lovely place, well worth a visit
What a fascinating post and terrific captures for the day, Indrani! I always enjoy learning the history of places like this!! Thanks for sharing!!
Very nicely you have given the details. Thanks Indrani.
very interesting displays, now.
Very interesting thanks for sharing.
Among all the tourists that visit Goa, a few visit this place as they are not aware that such a fort exists.
Its a pity that Mario Miranda was not around when this place was inaugurated.
Had visited this place two years ago.