Reis Magos

Reis Magos
Reis Magos
Village
	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Postcode	403114
Area code	0832

Reis Magos is a village located on the northern bank of the

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

Predating

Marathas, who were never able to take it. The bastion was used as a prison. Though far inferior in size to the fortress of Mormugao

, yet standing on an eminence, it commands a splendid view all around. It is in a good state of preservation and is defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison. Towards the east, at a little distance from it, flows a spring with abundance of excellent water, while at its base rises the church of the Reis Magos, ascended by a beautiful flight of stairs.

This edifice was built on the ruins of a pagoda in 1550 by the

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

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.^[1]

The fort is now converted into a cultural centre, besides being used a tourist attraction.

Demographics

As of 2001 [update] India census,^[2] 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.