The Forgotten Fortress

Now you wouldn’t expect to feel like you’re in South Italy when you go to Goa. Portugal, yes, maybe. But this place had me feeling like I wasn’t where I was at all!

I’m a sucker for history and naturally, I love all broken down monuments and forts and such. This detour wasn’t even on the agenda, but I was driving around Reis Magos one afternoon just to soak in the beautiful Portuguese architecture in this area, and before I could get to it, I drove past this mother of a fort on a steep hill right along the Mandovi. I had never before even heard of this place or known that it existed. But I had to go in.

This fort has so much interesting history behind it, and I had the guard take me around and tell me all of it. Apparently, this fort, after having served as a defense to Old Goa for over 4 centuries, was also converted into a jail in the 50’s up until ’93! They even have isolation units and crack windows and holes in the ground which were used to pass food through, as well as to pour hot oil onto the captured convicts

It was then ordered for restoration in 2007 and re-opened only recently in 2012 and stands beautiful next to a church as well. Would recommend everyone to have a walk through.

But enough amateur history lessons from me. Moving on to the style bit, good old #RobeLife continues to live on, courtesy A&A of course, who are launching The Robe Lives, their very own brand and online shop for these beauties soon. The Weekender Duffel bag by Brandless makes for my all time favourite travel essential; ideal for weekend getaways. And to finish off the look perfectly, tasseled handcrafted Woven Mocassins by Modello Domani, that translate seamlessly from day to night, and can be worn formally as well.