St. Estevam Fort

St. Estevam Fort, also known as Fort Santo Estevão or Juve Fort, is a historic Portuguese military structure located on the highest point of St. Estevam Island in North Goa. Originally built as a watchtower in 1550 to guard the Mandovi River, it was expanded into a fort in 1668 following Maratha incursions. Today, the restored ruins serve as a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding islands.

Visitors can explore the partially restored ruins of a 17th-century Portuguese fort situated on a hillock. The site features remaining stone walls, an entrance arch, and a small storehouse structure. A shrine with a statue of Christ the King, brought from Rome in 1926, stands on the hillock near a tall cross. The location provides panoramic views of the Mandovi River, iron ore barges, green fields, and neighboring islands. The path to the fort involves a short walk up an uneven hill.

Built originally as a watchtower in 1550 to guard the Mandovi River, it was the easternmost defensive structure in the Velhas Conquistas. It was expanded into a fort between 1666-1668 after Maratha incursions. In 1683, Marathas captured the fort and massacred its garrison. It was abandoned in 1811 by decree of the Viceroy of India and later served as a prison until 1993. Restoration works were undertaken in 2012.

The fort hillock houses a shrine with a statue of Christ the King brought from Rome in 1926, which is a significant religious landmark for locals. The site represents Portuguese colonial military architecture and the historical defense network of Old Goa.