UK-based trust to sponsor beautification of Goa's fort
"The UK based Lady Helen Hamly Trust has sponsored the beautification of Goa," said Gerald D'Cunha, nationally renowned architect.
By PTI |
PANAJI: Rising from the ruins, Goa's one of the oldest fort is all set to become the tourist attraction in another one-and-half year with Britain-based trust sponsoring the restoration work.
"The UK based Lady Helen Hamly Trust has sponsored the beautification," said Gerald D'Cunha, nationally renowned architect, who has drawn the makeover plans.
The 15th century construction, Reis Magos fort, tucked on the mountain overlooking capital city of Panaji and Mandovi river, is taking shape into a major tourist attraction.
Constructed by then ruler Adil Shah, the fort was used by Portuguese after they conquered Goa and subsequently was used as a jail till recently, post-liberation by Goa Government.
The structure attains significance in Goa's history and it will be the first fort or fortress to be converted for cultural use preserving its heritage quotient in the state, he added.
"Goa has several such fort, which are in ruins and there is an urgent demand to restore them before they bite the dust," Prajal Sakhardande, a state-based historian, said.
The fort used to house Portuguese soldiers and was considered a strategic point as it is located just opposite Panaji city and Cabo Palace, which was the official residence of then Portugese Governor.
D'Cunha said that there are five canons atop the fort currently which will be an important part of restoration project.
Other canons which were shifted from this place due to various reasons will be brought back and restored on the parent fort, the architect added.
"The UK based Lady Helen Hamly Trust has sponsored the beautification," said Gerald D'Cunha, nationally renowned architect, who has drawn the makeover plans.
The 15th century construction, Reis Magos fort, tucked on the mountain overlooking capital city of Panaji and Mandovi river, is taking shape into a major tourist attraction.
Constructed by then ruler Adil Shah, the fort was used by Portuguese after they conquered Goa and subsequently was used as a jail till recently, post-liberation by Goa Government.
The structure attains significance in Goa's history and it will be the first fort or fortress to be converted for cultural use preserving its heritage quotient in the state, he added.
"Goa has several such fort, which are in ruins and there is an urgent demand to restore them before they bite the dust," Prajal Sakhardande, a state-based historian, said.
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The fort used to house Portuguese soldiers and was considered a strategic point as it is located just opposite Panaji city and Cabo Palace, which was the official residence of then Portugese Governor.
D'Cunha said that there are five canons atop the fort currently which will be an important part of restoration project.
Other canons which were shifted from this place due to various reasons will be brought back and restored on the parent fort, the architect added.
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