Step into the past and uncover the captivating history of Fort Aguada, a 17th-century Portuguese stronghold that has stood as a silent witness to Goa’s most defining moments. From its days as a strategic defense fort, shielding Goa from Dutch and Maratha invasions, to its transformation into a bustling port and later a colonial prison, Fort Aguada is more than just an architectural marvel — it’s a living testament to courage, resistance, and change.
Embark on a heritage walk through the lesser-explored lower fort and jail complex, guided by a storyteller who brings history to life. Marvel at the fort’s Portuguese-style architecture, explore exclusive sections including a chapel, a freshwater spring, and the hauntingly atmospheric prison cells, and hear gripping tales of battles fought to control this fortress.
But beyond its grandeur, Fort Aguada also holds soul-stirring stories of unsung heroes — Goan freedom fighters once imprisoned within its walls. Listen to powerful accounts of resistance and resilience and gain a deeper appreciation of Goa’s struggle for independence.
This isn’t just a walk; it’s an immersive journey through history, under the vast Goan sky, where every stone has a story. Are you ready to uncover them?
Difficulty Level: Easy
Suitable for Ages: 10-60 years
Duration: 1.15 hours
Areas Covered: Fort Aguada Port and Jail Complex, North Goa
Meeting Point: Fort Aguada Port and Jail Complex
Timings: 10.30am | 12noon | 3pm | 4.30pm | 6pm | 7pm | 8pm _(Private tours available on request.)_
Price: INR 500 (10.30 am-6 pm) | INR 800 (7-8 pm)
USE CALL OR WHATSAPP BUTTONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO BOOK
What is included in the tour
- Walk led by a knowledgeable local storyteller.
- Entry ticket to the Fort Aguada monument.
- Exclusive access to a chapel, freshwater spring, kitchens and prison cells.
What is NOT included in the tour
- This is a walking trail, and we do not use vehicles inside the monument complex.
- Hotel pickups and drops.
- Meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and snacks.
- Sightseeing points that fall outside of the curated route.
- We do not provide umbrellas, raincoats, hats/caps, face-masks or sanitizers.
- Learn about the history of fort Aguada as a strategic defense stronghold, and the decision by former Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar to repurpose the lower fort into a prison complex used to house convicted Goan freedom fighters.
- Marvel at the trademark Portuguese-style architecture.
- Explore various sections of the lower fort – including exclusive access to a beautiful chapel, a freshwater spring, former kitchens and dingy prison cells in the Aguada jail.
- Discover gripping tales of the epic battles fought between Indian kingdoms and the colonial Portuguese empire to wrestle for control of the fortress.
- Unearth soul-stirring stories about the unsung heroes of Goa’s liberation movement.
