10 HISTORICAL & HERITAGE PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA

10 HISTORICAL & HERITAGE PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA
Best Historical Places and Heritage Sites in Goa

1) BASILICA OF BOM JESUS

Being a UNESCO heritage site, this church is world renowned to still host the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The interesting thing about the saint’s mortal remains is that it is extremely well preserved. Even today, thousands of visitors throng the church to witness this miracle. A Jesuit church amongst churches in Goa, this structure is considered to be amongst the finest representations of Baroque architecture. The church is located in Old Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is more than 408 years old and is open to the public every day. This is one of the oldest churches in Goa and in India.

2) FORT AGUADA

The Fort Aguada is one of the largest and impressive forts preserved as one of the best known landmarks in Goan history. The fort together with its lighthouse is one of the most visited attractions in Goa. This majestic fort, situated on Sinquerim beach overlooks the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River. Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese. The fort is so named after the Portuguese Word for water i.e. ‘Agua’ and used to be a replenishing source of freshwater for sailors. It’s a well known and popular tourist attraction in Goa.

3) MANGESHI TEMPLE

Shree Mangueshi Temple is located at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluk, Goa. The temple is one of the most popular in Goa and attracts many devotees. Mythology says that Lord Shiva came to Goa after having lost everything in a game of dice against his wife, Parvati. When Parvati came looking for him, he disguised himself as a tiger and frightened her. In a state of shock, Parvati uttered the words, “Trahi Mam Grisha”, which when translated means, “O Lord of the Mountains, save me”. Shiva then reverted into his normal form and returned with her. The words, “Mam Grisha” came to be associated with this story and Shiva came to be known as ‘Manguesh’.The reunion of the two was indeed joyful and to celebrate this, Lord Shiva adopted the last 2 words, “Mam Girisha” of the cry for help from Parvati as one of his abundant names. Lord Shiva left a linga before departing for his abode, and this was discovered by a cowherd whose cow used to sprinkle milk on the same spot regularly and that was how the temple of Mangesh at Kushastali came into existence. The name Mam Girish was abbreviated to Mangesh and so it has remained till today.

4) SE CATHEDRAL

The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510 that Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. It was built to celebrate the victory of the Portuguese ruler Afonso de Albuquerque for capturing a Goan city. It is one of the oldest churches in the country. The UNESCO has also declared it as a heritage site. Inside the church, there is a large bell called the Golden Bell – which is the largest in the state. The church is open for tourist to visit and the public are allowed to click photos.

5) REIS MAGOS FORT

Reis Magos Fort is a very famous and popular tourist attraction in North Goa. It is located on the northern bank of the Mandovi River in Bardez, Goa, opposite to the capital city of Panjim. The church and the fort has got its name as “Reis Magos” which means THREE KINGS in Portuguesse – the Three Wise Men who went to Bethlehem after the shining star to bestow their gifts towards the Infant Jesus. The fort has intensive high sloping walls on its sides looking out towards the river Mandovi judging by its position on a steep slope wherein a walled corridor links the main fortress with the anchorage of the river. The water supply is provided from a fresh water spring within the fortress and it has many underground rooms and passages. The distinctive feature of the fort is the decorative bastions with cylindrical turrets looking out towards the river. The fort was opened to the public on the 5th of June 2012 and is maintained and made available for the public.

6) MORMUGAO FORT

The fort is located near the Mormugao port, the important port for Portuguese ships. The year 1624 witnessed the completion of the construction of the fort. The Mormugao fort was constructed to secure the port and the harbour. This fort contained very tall fortification, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the sentinel. There were 53 guns and a garrison with 4 officers. Now what is left is only a Church and some strong walls. It has got historical importance because of the priceless historical information and is the best place and popular attraction which is more interesting to visit during the summer.

7) CABO DE RAMA FORT

Cabo de Rama located in Canacona Taluka offers great views of the south Goa, the sea, and sunset. It is sandwiched between two popular beaches in south Goa, Cavelossim and Agonda. Cabo da Rama – Cape Rama – takes its name from Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to the Hindu Belief Lord Rama along with his wife Sita stayed here during his exile from Ayodhya. The cape is crowned by a fort which was originally a Hindu structure and rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1763 after acquiring it from the Maratha ruler of Sonda. It had 21 guns for its defence, a chapel, military barracks and quarters for the use of the commandant under the Portuguese. The western side of the fortress, where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea, provides a great view both to the north and south.

8) CORJUEM FORT

Corjuem Fort is situated in Corjuem 4 kilometres from the village of Aldona. It was built in 1550 and was originally the property of the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi. Later the fort was conquered by the Portuguesse and was rebuilt in 1705. The fort is constructed of laterite stone, built in a square shape with wide walls that have gun ports and murder holes. It is the smaller fort as compared to the rest forts in Goa. This fort protected the Portuguese from the Marathas, Bhonsles and the Rane Rajputs in the nineteenth century. Over the years the fort has gained name for the panoramic vistas that can be seen from its ramparts and is become a well known tourist attraction. It is a great place for a scenic walk or a little photography.

9) TIRACOL FORT

Tiracol Fort located in Pernem Taluka is a memorable place. The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. It is surrounded by a natural river flowing east-west on its northern boundary beyond which lies the vast state of Maharashtra which makes this a very scenic and orderly arrangement. It gives an amazing view of the Arabian Sea. Fort Tiracol has been converted into a hotel, where guest can treat themselves to a gorgeous luncheon at the hotel restaurant. The tall walls of the fort give testimony to the hard won freedom that Goa enjoys today. This fort is a symbol of Hope to all the Goans.

10) SINQUERIM FORT

Sinquerim Fort was constructed in 1612 and overlooks the beautiful Sinquerim Beach. Its purpose was to help guard Goa against invaders like the Dutch and the Marathas. The magnificent fort was used as the reference point for goods arriving from Europe. It has Different sections and fortified walls. The Portuguese ships were docked to the lower portion of the fort. The fort is maintained well and till today is in good condition. It’s a great place to watch sunsets and watch the waves splashing about.