The Tiracol fort was originally built by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, Khem Sawant Bhonsle. However, it was wrested from him by the Portuguese in 1746. After being revamped by them in 1764, it became an important military bastion, guardian of the mouth of the Tiracol river and the first line of defense for the Portuguese colony of Goa.
In 1895, during the Portuguese Civil war it was used as a rebel stronghold under the command of Dr. Bernardo Peres da Silva, the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa. However, the rebel forces were overthrown and the fort returned to the empire.
In the 1950’s the fort became a symbol of the Goa freedom struggle with many historic Satygraha marches taking place here. Several times the unarmed Satyagrahis were gunned down by the Portuguese colonists so giving their lives to secure Goa’s liberation.
The first thing visitors will see entering the fort is the dramatic 19th-century facade of the old church of Santo Antonio, in front of which is a tall statue of Christ the King, erected in 1953. In 1994 the fort was renovated and converted into a heritage hotel.
Outside the fort is a large cross erected by the family of Antonio Sebastian who died at the age of 52 on 17th August 1893.
