Tiracol Fort

Tiracol Fort, located at the mouth of the Tiracol River in North Goa, is a 17th-century fortress originally built by Raja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the ruler of Sawantwadi. Perched on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, the fort was strategically important for controlling maritime activities and guarding the northern border of Goa. In 1746, the Portuguese captured the fort after a naval battle and subsequently revamped it to strengthen their maritime defenses.

The fort features a blend of Maratha military architecture and Portuguese colonial influences, with strong walls, cannons, barracks, and a chapel that was later transformed into the Church of St. Anthony, which still holds mass today. Tiracol Fort witnessed several historic events, including rebellions during the Portuguese era and acts of resistance during Goa's freedom struggle.

After Goa's liberation in 1961, the fort was preserved and converted into a heritage hotel, offering guests stunning views of the sea and river, combining history with scenic beauty and modern hospitality. It remains a symbol of Goa’s rich past and a popular tourist destination accessible by ferry or road.