Cabo Fort

Goa is famous for its many imposing forts which are remnants of the colossal castles that once guarded the territory newly invaded by the Portuguese from their many land and sea conquests. These forts are aptly located and well-barracked to protect the entrance to the port or to the provinces nearby. At present, most of these forts have become dilapidated, except for a few that have been transformed into a hotel or a prison. Yet, the laterite walls of these historic forts, though covered with lichens, are reminiscent of Goa's exquisite architecture. The Cabo Fort located above Panjim in Goa is one of them.

Cabo is the Portuguese word for cape. With the Indian Ocean in the west, the Bay of the river Mandovi, Fort Aguada and busy port of Marmugoa on the North, Cabo Fort is set in a panoramic section of Goa. The fort is located above Panjim, situated over the mouth of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Built in 1540 AD, the Cabo Palace fortress was once home to the grand Franciscan monastery which in 1594 AD became the official residence of the Governor of Goa. Today it is renowned as Raj Bhawan, whose museum can be visited with prior permission from the ADC Office. And it is a must sea if you appreciate architecture and history.

The fort whose construction was completed in 6 months has a small chapel built at the end of the mansion, dedicated to Our Virgin Lady of the Cape (Nossa Senhora do Cabo), which served as a landmark for the seafarers. The Cabo fort which is also famous for the peace and quiet it provides has many major attractions. The Durbar Hall which is the official reception area used for the swearing ceremonies and other official occasions is a magnificent sight. The fort has a beautiful dining room which has a capacity to seat over 30 persons and has three suites and seven double rooms. There are several collectibles within the fort such as the Bohemian chandeliers, Chinese porcelain and silver and wooden furniture form the assets of Raj Bhavan. It also has an excellent collection of high quality wooden furniture with exquisite workmanship, a set of intricately carved chairs with figurines of Hindu Gods and Temples indicating the complete harmony between Christians and Hindus that exists in Goa.