St. Estevam Fort

St. Estevam Fort

St. Estevam Fort is a historic monument situated in the small village of St. Estevam in the Indian state of Goa. The fort is located on the island of St. Estevam, which is surrounded by the Mandovi River on one side and the Zuari River on the other side. The fort is also known as the Forte de Santo Estevao in Portuguese, which was the official language of Goa during the colonial period.

The St. Estevam Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century to protect the island and the surrounding area from foreign invaders. The fort was strategically located to control the navigation of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, which were the main routes of transportation in Goa at that time. The fort was also used as a base for the Portuguese military to launch attacks on nearby enemy territories.

The construction of the St. Estevam Fort began in the year 1601, and it took almost 12 years to complete the fort. The fort was built using laterite stones, which were abundantly available in the area. The fort has a unique triangular shape and is surrounded by a moat on three sides, which adds to its defensive capabilities.

The main entrance of the fort is located on the western side, and it leads to a small courtyard inside the fort. The courtyard was used as a parade ground and a place for the soldiers to assemble. The fort also has a small chapel inside, which was dedicated to St. Stephen, the patron saint of the village.

The fort has two bastions, one on the northern side and the other on the southern side. The bastions were used to mount artillery guns, which were used to defend the fort from enemy attacks. The bastions also provided a commanding view of the surrounding area, which helped the Portuguese to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.

The St. Estevam Fort played a significant role in the history of Goa. It was a witness to many battles and skirmishes between the Portuguese and the local rulers. The fort was also used as a prison by the Portuguese to incarcerate political prisoners and other criminals. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned in the fort during the colonial period.

After the liberation of Goa in 1961, the fort lost its military importance and was abandoned by the Portuguese. The fort fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. The fort was also used as a dumping ground for garbage and other waste materials.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the preservation and restoration of the St. Estevam Fort. The government of Goa has taken several steps to restore the fort to its former glory. The moat around the fort has been cleared of weeds and debris, and the entrance to the fort has been renovated.

The fort has also been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI has undertaken several conservation and restoration projects to preserve the fort for future generations. The ASI has also set up a museum inside the fort, which showcases the history and culture of the region.

Today, the St. Estevam Fort is a popular tourist attraction in Goa. The fort attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in history and architecture. The fort also provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, which includes the Mandovi and Zuari rivers and the nearby villages.

Visitors to the fort can explore the various structures inside, such as the bastions, the chapel, and the courtyard. They can also take a leisurely stroll along the moat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The fort is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is no entry fee to visit the fort.

In conclusion, the St. Estevam Fort is a significant landmark in the history.