Reis Magos, an Interesting Place To Visit in Goa

Reis Maggos is a quaint village situated on the northern bank of the Mandovi River in Bardez Taluka, which is the northern district of Goa.
The village is located opposite to Panjim, the capital city of Goa. The village has been given the Reis Magos, as it symbolizes the Magi Kings, considered to be the Three Wise Men who proceeded towards Bethlehem, to honor the birth of Infant Jesus.

Attractions

The historic Reis Magos Fort is the prime attraction of this village. It is one of the most significant forts in the state of Goa. Rather it is one of the main historic attractions of the region. The fort reflects the rich and prolific history of the bygone era of the region. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the year 1551, to guard the town of Old Goa from the invasion of foreign intruders. For this reason the fort was built strategically on the steep slope of a headland, from where one could stop the enemy ships entering through the Mandovi waters. Another advantage of the structure of the fort at this location was that it had a permanent source of drinking water from a nearby spring.

Reis Magos fort played an important role in the defense strategy of  the town of Old Goa, as it served as a first line of defense of this port town. A second fort was later built by the Portuguese on the opposite bank of the Madovi River in the year 1595, in order to defend the bold moves made by the Dutch invaders. Due to the immense popularity of the strategic location of the Reis Magos fort in the defense system of Old Goa, the fort was again renovated in the year 1707, involving 33 guns of diverse caliber. Since then the fort exchanged hands under different rulers like the Marathas with the alliance of Bhonsles and in the later the British.

The fort lost its importance as a defense uphold during the 19^th century as the wars in this region started to decease. The fort was converted into a sub-jail to hold short term convicts and was even used to hold some of the freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of Goa. Till the year 1991, the fort functioned as a jail. During all this period, the fort went under various modifications.  Afterwards the fort was left in isolation till the year 2007, when a tripartite agreement was signed between the Goa Government, INTACH and the Helen Hamlyn Trust, during which a decision was made to reform the fort and use it a cultural center. From 5^th June 2012, the fort has been made open to the visitors who are interested in learning about the rich heritage of this state.

Visiting Time- The fort can be visited on all days of the week except on Mondays. The fort is open from 11 am to 5.30 pm. 

Another major attraction of the village is a church located at the base of the fort. The Reis Margos church has also been named after the place and is dedicated to St Jerome. The significant part about this church is the Festa dos Reis Magos or the Feast of the Three Wise Men, which is held annually on 6^th January.

Visiting Time- The church can be visited on all days of the week, from 6 am to 11 pm.

How to Reach

By Road: The village can be reached through various modes of transportation from various major places in Goa.

By Air: You can reach this place by reaching to the only airport of the state, i.e. Dabolim Airport. One can hire various modes of transportation from the airport in order to reach the village.