Standing on the site of a small Bijapuri fort near the narrowest point of the Mandovi estuary, which was captured by the Portuguese in 1510, Reis Magos is probably the oldest Portuguese fort in Goa. The old Bijapuri foundation was altogether rebuilt after the annexation of the Bardez region to the north of the Mandovi in 1543. Joao Baptista Cairato, the Estado’s celebrated Chief Engineer for India, is credited for the design, completed in 1551 but continuously improved till 1605.
It was used as a residence for viceroys and other dignitaries newly arrived from or en route to Lisbon and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly between 1798-1813 by the British Army. It was used as a jail and was finally abandoned in 1993 after which it was at the mercy of the elements, and had begun to crumble. Restoration work on the fort began in 2008 with the funds being provided by the UK-based Helen Hamlyn Trust, INTACH – a non-governmental organisation dealing with restorations of monuments, and the Government of Goa. The fort is now converted into a cultural centre, besides being used a tourist attraction.
The fort is opens for public from 9am to 5pm. Entry ticket cost Rs. 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children. Its closed on Mondays.
Below photos were clicked when I visited the fort in 2012.
