Reis Magos Fort
Reis magos fort was built between the year 1551 to 1554. Standing
tall and proud overseeing and protecting the taluka of Bardez, across the river
from the capital city of Panaji, this fort was one of the first bastions of the
Portuguese rulers against enemy invasion. The structure exudes majesty and
grandeur and though it is not the biggest fort in Goa, it still commands
respect and awe.Pre-dating
even the prestigious and much larger Fort Aguada, and situated at the narrowest
point of the mouth of the Mandovi, it’s skilful construction and strategic
placement made this fort nearly impregnable and it was an important asset to
the Portuguese colonists.
The
fort has also been skilfully repaired in recent years and partly restored to
its former glory. It is clearly visible, with its distinctive reddish stone
walls, all the way from Panaji which lies across the Mandovi River from it.