Cabo Fort also known as Palacio de Cabo, currently functioning as the residential home for the Governor of Goa, is situated in Dona Paula 9km from Panaji. The Cabo fort known as the Cape of Good Hope lies on the peninsula land and has itself pulled out towards the sea.
The fort was erected by the Portuguese in 1540 to guard the entrance to Goa harbor. As per long-established defense strategy they quickly built a church and then a convent. Since the fort’s cannons were never used `in anger’, the buildings were used as temporary accommodation for the archbishop from the 1650s. The British took it over in 1798 and stayed in residence, apart from a brief break, until 1813. Initially, during the Portuguese era, a Franciscan Convent was attached to the Fort. These days nothing remains of the old citadel. You can, however, see the ruins of the small military cemetery the British built at the time of their brief occupation of the Cabo during the Napoleonic wars – a move intended to deter the French from invading Goa.
Other attractive and interesting things to see in this place are different types of artifacts like Bohemian glass chandeliers, and Chinese Pottery. You can also see small chapel located at the end of the fort. This chapel is devoted to Virgin Lady of the cape. The age of the church is believed to be 500 years old. In olden days, this place functioned as a landmark for the seafarers. Other attractive things to see near this fort are monastery located inside the fort. It was constructed by Viceroy of D. Matias D Albuquerque by his single effort. The construction was started from 1594 on February 5th and was completed within 6 months in 1594 July 14th.
During Portuguese period, the Franciscan convent was close to the fort. It was used by the Governor General of Portuguese as their residence. First Cabo Raj Bhavan was built as a fort to watch the boats entering from the two rivers.
Currently, it is functioning as Governor’s palace of Goa and visits are only possible through special appointment. The offices of the Governor, his secretariat and staff are situated on the ground floor of the fort in a separate area. If you wish to visit the museum which is housed inside the palace premises then you take a prior permission from the ADC office. It is one of the popular forts of Goa that attracts tourists from near and far. Every year feast of Chapel of Virgin Mary is celebrated here on 15th August. If you happen to be in Goa in August then you must attend this big fair. On your visit to Cabo Raj Bhavan, you can also visit a small church which is known as the Our Lady of Cabo Church.
An excellent collection of high-quality wooden furniture with exquisite workmanship, a set of intricately carved chairs with figurines of Hindu Gods and Temples indicate the complete harmony between Christians and Hindus that existed in Goa.