// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Reis Magos say to the map? "You're always re-routing me.

Reis Magos
Village
Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Location of Reis Magos in Goa Reis Magos Reis Magos (India)
Coordinates: 15°29′49″N 73°48′32″E
Country	India
State	Goa
District	North Goa
Sub-district	Bardez
Population  (2001)
• Total	8,698
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Postcode	403114
Area code	0832

Reis Magos is a village located on the northern bank of the Mandovi River in Bardez, Goa, opposite to the capital city of Panjim. The village is famous for two of Goa’s famous structures; the Reis Magos Fort, and the Reis Magos Church – the first church in Bardez. "Reis Magos" is the Portuguese name for the Three Wise Men from the Bible.

Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos Fort is a smaller fort located on a headland along the Mandovi River, opposite Panjim. It predates Fort Aguada and was constructed in 1551 to defend a narrow section of the Mandovi estuary. Built with laterite walls and Portuguese-style turrets, the fort was expanded several times and substantially rebuilt in 1707. It was used to accommodate Portuguese viceroys and other officials arriving from or traveling to Lisbon and later served as a military position during conflicts with the Marathas. The fort was also used as a prison. A spring is located near the fort, while the Church of Reis Magos stands at its base.

This edifice was built on the ruins of a pagoda in 1550 by the Franciscans, with the sum allotted to them by the Government, and bears a crown on its façade, and the royal arms on its sanctuary and other places. The pavement is dotted with inscriptions, the most important of which, found in the sanctuary, indicated the spot enclosing the remains of Dom Luís de Ataíde, Count of Athoughia, who twice held the position of Viceroy of Portuguese India and Goa. This Fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi at Reis Magos, and is very much visible from the Panjim side of the Mandovi river. It was used as a residence for viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly between 1798-1813 by the British Army. It was subsequently abandoned by the military and served as a prison until 1993.

Reis Magos Fort Restoration

The Fort, originated as an armed outpost of the Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1493. When Bardez was conquered by the Portuguese in 1541, the Fort was built along with the church. From 1900, it lost its defensive role and was used as a jail and was finally abandoned in 1993 after which it was at the mercy of the elements, and had begun to crumble. Restoration work on the fort began in 2008 with the funds being provided by the UK-based Helen Hamlyn Trust, INTACH - a non-governmental organisation dealing with restorations of monuments, and the Government of Goa. Renowned architect Gerard da Cunha was hired to restore the fort. The fort is now converted into a cultural centre, besides being used a tourist attraction.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Reis Magos had a population of 8,698. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Reis Magos has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 73%. In Reis Magos, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Gallery

• 
  Reis Magos Fort
• 
  Sunset view from Reis Magos
• 
  Cannon at Reis Magos Fort
• 
  Renovated Reis Magos Fort
• 
  Reis Magos beach
• 
  A church in Reis Magos

External links

• Reis Magos Fort - spherical panorama 360°.