Rachol Fort
Located close to the famous Rachol Seminary, the Rachol Fort is mainly a
collection of ruins at present. It is 7 km northeast of Margao and encircled
by the dried-up fosse of an old Muslim fort and rice fields expanding to the
east banks of the nearby Zuari River. Today, its fastidiously restored as
sixteenth-century church and secluded theological collage, one wing of which
has recently been converted into a museum which lie in the centre of the
Catholic region. Very little is visible of its actual structure, like the
archways, on the road leading to the famous Rachol Seminary.
Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort is located across the Mandovi river in the province of
Bardez about two miles to the north east of Fort Aguada. Originally built in
1490 by Adil Shah and later on annexed by Portuguese in 1760, Reis Magos
fort was build to protect the narrowest point on the mouth of an estuary of
River Mandovi. Approximately two miles on north east of Fort Aguada, the
fort lies in the district of Bardez. It houses Reis Magos church in its
basement which is worth-seen. Its eminent positioning makes the views
outside the fort very fascinating. The views from the rooms of fort towards
the sea are simply breath taking. The fort was defended by 33 guns and a
small garrison. The pavement of the fort is adorned with inscriptions and
the most important of which is stored in a sanctuary. The fort gives a very
commanding look from the Panaji side of Mandovi river. Earlier it was used
as a residence of viceroys and later on converted as a fortress. Then it was
occupied by the British between 1798-1813 and subsequently abandoned by the
military and served as a prison until now.After the liberation from
Portuguese, the fort was being used as prison. Presently, it has been
projected for a hotel.
