Overlooking the choppy waves of the Arabian Sea, the Aguada Fort has transformed from a historic sentinel of the Portuguese era to a vibrant cultural hub. Located near Old Goa and Panaji, the fort once served as a crucial navigational point for vessels entering Goa, a region famously dubbed "Little Lisbon" and the "Rome of the East" due to its thriving trade.
From Defensive Stronghold to Prison
Originally, constructed as a defensive structure, the Aguada Fort was a powerful key to the Portuguese to fight with Dutch and Marathas. Getting its name from two Portuguese words, Agua, meaning water, and Da, meaning gives. Its function was a watering place for ships passing through the area. During the fascist regime in the 1930s, Portuguese prime minister Salazar started to use the fort as prison and detainees were tortured. Later after Indian forces liberating Goa in the year 1961, the fort remained the central jail of Goa until 2015 where some of the notorious criminals like the serial killer Charles Sobhraj were imprisoned.
(Photo : Aguad Goa / Waterfront Experiences)
Now, the abandoned prison has evolved into one of the most modern and popular attractions, the Aguada Port & Jail Complex. The old property located between swaying coconut trees and the blue sea was restored and today it is a living museum of the Goan heritage dating back to 400 years. For its part, Naveen Chopra, the group chief executive of the Waterfront Experiences - the company managing the complex, adds that the intended transformation seeks to respect the state's history and establish a setting characteristic of Goa.
The complex offers a state-of-the-art digital museum featuring rare content such as documentaries on Goa's forts and freedom struggle. Waterfront Experiences collaborates closely with the Government of Goa and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation to enhance visitors' understanding of the location's historical significance.
Immersive Exhibits and Heritage Walks
The Aguada Interactive Museum comprises three immersive sections: "Goa: The Land," "The Struggle," and "The People." These exhibits use QR-coded audio guides, interactive displays, and advanced kiosks to present the state's heritage vividly. Aguada Cinema, located in the former condemnation cell, screens daily documentaries about Goa's history, including the "Freedom Movement of Goa" and "Forts of Goa."
Heritage walks, available both day and night, offer historical insights as visitors explore the jail complex, including its sombre cells, former kitchen areas, a serene chapel, and a historic freshwater spring.
Currently, the complex hosts three exhibitions. "Indian Fashion, Timeless Elegance" celebrates intricate craftsmanship, "Sahitya Chitravali" merges literature with art, and "Kamal" connects visitors with the culturally significant lotus flower.
Since its inception, Aguada has hosted numerous cultural events such as the NDFC Film Festival, the Spic Macay: Shruti Amrut Festival, G20 Delegate Events, and various art shows and music concerts. A collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India in February resulted in a unique fashion show on the "jetty-ramp," and an exhibition celebrating Bhanu Athaiya, India's first Oscar winner for costume design, received rave reviews.
Dining and Leisure Options
The complex also features a range of eateries catering to diverse tastes. The Black Sheep Bistro offers a cosy ambience with fast food, Motley Brew serves coffee-infused cocktails and mocktails, and D Sailor provides waterfront dining with seafood and classic options. Namaste Chai specializes in a variety of tea blends, while De'Bee offers Goan cuisine with a modern twist.
According to the State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Aguada adds value to the Goa tourism as the state's technological setup integrates history, culture and people of Goa through an interesting narration, freedom movement of Goa.
(Photo : Wikipedia / Rahulpattuvam)
Historical Significance of Goa
Goa was seized by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 and was for 450 years the capital of the eastern part of the Portuguese empire beyond the Cape of Good Hope. It played a pivotal role in the Eastern spice trade, epitomized by the Portuguese saying: 'If one wants to see Goa's beauty one does not need to see Lisbon', the architectural and even foods influences remain strong. Thus, a crisis in Goa arose in the 1940s, resulting in its liberation in India's "Operation Vijay" in 1961.
Describing the Aguada Port & Jail Complex as "the oldest, newest cultural hub in the country," Chopra emphasizes its dual role in preserving history and fostering contemporary cultural expressions.