Built in 1624, the fort was designed primarily to protect the busy Mormugão port and the essential coastal waters from possible dangers. Situated at the shoreline, it offered a clear vantage point of the Arabian Sea, establishing it as a crucial outpost for observing and defending against any adversarial threats beyond the harbor.
The magnificence of the fort should not be overlooked. Encompassing an extensive perimeter of approximately 10 kilometers, Mormugão Fort emerged as one of the most remarkable and formidable fortifications established by the Portuguese in Goa. Its architecture featured a complex arrangement of elements, including five prisons, three magazines, a chapel, and a total of 20 bulwarks, all accommodating a committed garrison.
What distinguished Mormugao Fort were its two mysterious fountains - the Fonte de Malabar and Fonte de Santo Ignacio. Folklore suggested that these fountains drew their waters from a gold mine and a sulphur mine, respectively, infusing the fort's already rich history with an additional layer of intrigue.
As one nears Mormugão Fort, one's attention is immediately captured by the fort's grand gates, embellished with detailed inscriptions. These inscriptions, carefully carved, feature the names of King Dom Philip and Viceroy Dom Francisco da Gama, the architects of the fort's creation. Each meticulously engraved character serves as a gateway to a time marked by bravery, commerce, and power, beckoning you to immerse yourself in the stories that transpired within these fortifications.
Mormugão Fort served not only as a passive protector but also as a witness to numerous battles that underscored its importance. Withstanding several assaults from the Marathas, the fort became emblematic of both resilience and strategic value. Nevertheless, as the priorities of the Portuguese began to change, the fort slowly abandoned its function as a coastal watchtower. In 1703, a temporary residence for the Viceroy was established within the fort, but it was later relocated to Old Goa.