https://maps.app.goo.gl/ay4P7HfCd8SorfGc9
Goa’s charm lies not just in its beaches but also in its layered colonial history. Once a Portuguese colony after the fall of the Adil Shahi dynasty, Goa reflects a blend of Indian and European cultures. Divided into North and South districts, the region holds many timeless monuments, and the Corjuem Fort near Aldona stands out as a lesser-known yet remarkable heritage site showcasing this fusion.
The Corjuem Fort was originally built around 1550 AD by the Sawant Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi. Later, it came under Adil Shahi control before being captured and renovated by the Portuguese between 1695 and 1705. Strategically positioned along the Mapusa River, it served as a defense post against Maratha and Rajput incursions from the Mondavi region.
Constructed using Goa’s signature red laterite stone, the fort is roughly square in shape with bastions at each corner, ramps for cannons, and remnants of residential quarters. Above its main gateway, a beautifully carved Portuguese Coat of Arms with a royal crown still endures as a symbol of colonial authority. Inside stands a small chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, reflecting the religious influence of the time.
Though modest in size, Corjuem Fort once housed a Portuguese military school in the 18th century. Today, it remains one of Goa’s most intact small forts, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the cable-stayed bridge over the Mapusa River, a serene reminder of Goa’s fortified past and enduring architectural legacy.
