If you are looking for a historical monument and some great evening with some friends then this fort will definitely be the best choice. Located in the village of Reis Magos, is known to be popular for two of Goa’s famous structures; the Reis Magos Fort, and the Reis Magos Church. Reis Magos is the Portuguese name for the Three Wise Men from the Bible. The fort is situated across the city of Panaji which is accessible through a ferry service.
The fort which is surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets was erected in 1551.
Originally, it was used as an armed outpost of the Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1493. When Bardez was conquered by the Portuguese in 1541, the Fort was built along with the church. From 1900, it lost its defensive role and 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.
The Portuguese used to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. The fort formerly accommodated viceroys and other dignitaries who arrived from, or en route to, Lisbon, and in the early eighteenth century proved a linchpin in the wars against the Hindu Marathas, who were never able to take it. The bastion was also used as a prison. It was used as a residence for viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly in 1798-1813 by the British army. Later it was subsequently abandoned by the military and served as a prison until 1993 after showing signs of neglect and deterioration.
Though far inferior in size to the fortress of Mormugao, yet standing on an eminence, it commands a splendid view all around. It is in a good state of preservation and is defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison. Towards the east, at a little distance from it, flows a spring with the abundance of excellent water, while at its base lies the church of the Reis Magos, ascended by a beautiful flight of stairs. With water all around it feels like a huge ship of laterite surrounded by the beauty of the architecture. This edifice was built on the ruins of a pagoda in 1550 by the Franciscans, with the sum allotted to them by the Government, and bears a crown on its façade, and the royal arms on its sanctuary and other places.
The Reis Magos Fort is owned by the Goa government and enlisted under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act Goa. It has been restored to serve as a Cultural and Heritage Centre. From its origin as a defense fortress, to being used as a jail and then a hospital, the fort has served the state since 1493.
Late Mario Miranda, the convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), approached Lady Hamlyn of the Helen Hamlyn trust (HHT) to fund the restoration of the fort.
Lady Hamlyn agreed to help in the restoration of the historically important Fort and was initiated and paid for by UK- based Helen Hamlyn Trust. It worked in partnership with the Government of Goa and INTACH. The fort was opened to the public on the 5th of June 2012 and is maintained and made available for the public benefit by The Reis Magos Heritage Centre, financially supported by the Government of Goa.
After the restoration the fort has been opened to the public is since then it has been widely visited by the locals, art lovers and many tourists. Seminars are held on important days like that of Marty day and such. It has been successfully used as an exquisite location for photo shoots, fashion shows, and wedding receptions.
An art gallery has been dedicated to the famous cartoon artist of Goa late Mario Miranda for his contributions to restoring the fort. The purpose of restoration was not only to attract the tourist but to make monuments come alive and be used by the city and the community. Heritage gives you a sense of who you are. It’s about identity.