Fort Santo Estevão | |
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Fortaleza de Santo Estevão | |
Goa in India | |
Coordinates | 15°32′10″N 73°57′15″E / 15.53605°N 73.95425°E |
Site information | |
Condition | Good |
Site history | |
Built by | Portuguese Empire |
Fort Santo Estevão (Fortaleza de Santo Estevão in Portuguese) is a military structure erected in Santo Estevão Island, in Goa, by the Portuguese.
Built on the highest point of Santo Estevão Island, it was originally built as a watchtower to guard the Mandovi River, in 1550. [1] It was the easternmost defensive structure in the Velhas Conquistas. After the first Maratha incursions against Goa, in 1666-1668, during which they destroyed a local church, The structure was expanded into a small fort. [1] [2] In 1683, the Marathas attacked Goa and managed to breach into the island of Santo Estevão because the corps of auxiliaries tasked with defending it fled from their enemy. [3] The Marathas captured the fort and massacred its garrison. [4]
After the annexation of the Novas Conquistas, the fort lost its military purpose. [1] It was abandoned in 1811 by decree of the Viceroy of India Dom Bernardo José Maria da Silveira e Lorena. [5]
Restoration works were undertaken on the fort in 2012. [1]