Aguada
Fort
Aguada Fort is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in
Goa. This tourist destination is located in Canacona taluka, 37 kms from Margao.
It was built by the Portuguese during the period between 1609-12 as a guard
against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. An interesting feature
in the precinct of the fort is a 13 metre high circular lighthouse built in
1864 which was initially used as an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised
in 1976. The Fort is currently the Central Jail, Goa’s largest prison.
Secretariat
The Government Secretariat is located at Old Goa, Panaji, along the river.
Once the Mandovi Viceroy's official residence, it was built at the site of Adil Shah's palace.
Adil Shah Palace
Adil Shah Palace, by the Sultan of Bijapur was the most prominent building in
Old Goa. It was the residence of the Portuguese governors till 1695 and in 1759
it became the viceroy's official residence. Today, it is converted into Goa's
Secretariat, legislative offices and other government offices. The only remnants
of the palace is its gate built in Brahminical style of architecture.
Archaeological Museum and Portrait
Gallery
The archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, maintained by Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) has been functioning since 1964 in the premises of the
convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Old Goa. The collections of the museums are
displayed in 8 galleries. These includes portraits and sculptures from the
prehistoric to the late mediaeval period. The portraits of Portuguese Governors
are placed on the first floor which provides an interesting study in the evolution
of court dresses. Other objects on display are lintel of a temple depicting
various types of Shikharas, architectural pieces, sati-stones, hero-stones,
an inscribed slab containing Kannada inscription of 'Devaraya' etc. The museum
is open on all days from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm except Fridays.
St. Augustine Tower and Church
The remnants of the St. Augustine tower and church located atop the Holy Hill
in Old Goa is one among the most spectacular monuments in Goa. Both the church
and the tower were built in 1602 by the Augustinian missionaries. The 46km high
tower that served as a belfry is a part of the facade of the magnificent St.
Augustine Church which was abandoned in 1835. In 1871, the huge bell of the
tower was moved to the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The
Church of St Augustine, when it was intact, was supposed to be the biggest in
Goa. There were eight richly carved chapels and four altars and a convent with
numerous cells and artistic columns attached to the church.
Ruins of St. Paul's Church
The relics of the St. Pauls Church and college lies on the road from Old Goa
to Ponda just a short distance from the Gandhi Circle. Constructed in 1543,
the church of St. Paul was started as an institution of the Holy Faith for training
young converts. The college was the first house of the Jesuit Order in Goa.
The church and college which were in a devastated state was fully demolished
by the Government in 1829. What remains here is only the archway of the facade
of the church. There were some mortal remains of revered St. Francis Xavier
which was later taken to Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Church Of the Carmelites
Located in Old Goa to the southeast of the Church of St. Cajetan, is the ruins
of the Church of the Carmelites. The church was built in 1621. From the year 1707,
the church fell into disuse and ruins, when the Carmelites were expelled from
there on their refusal to take the Oath of Allegiance to the king. The facade
and a raised pavement, which served as an altar are the only remains found here.
Institute Menezes Braganza
Institute Menezes Braganza is a prominent museum at Panaji named after eminent
Goan freedom fighter Menezes Braganza. Established in 1871, the museum is located
at Dr. Pissurlenkar Road, Opp Azad Maidan and was originally called the Institute
of Vasco da Gama. The museum boasts of an eclectic collection of paintings,
drawings and sculptures, most of them dating back to the Portuguese era. It
also exhibits paintings by European artists of 19th and early 20th centuries
and Goan artists of the 20th century. The institute houses the Panaji Central
library that contains rare collections of book and documents.