Lighthouse Aguada

Overview

Positioned between the Mormugao Peninsula and Calangute Beach, Aguada Lighthouse stands as arguably Goa's most renowned and one of Asia's oldest lighthouses, proudly perched atop Fort Aguada in Bardez. Accessible via a gracefully winding staircase, the four storey Portuguese structure offers sweeping vistas of the Arabian Sea and the Raj Niwas amid lush greenery. Erected in 1864, it was named after the Portuguese word ‘Agua’ meaning water; since the area around was rich with freshwater springs supplying water to the ships stopping by. Initially it relied on an oil lamp for its illumination that later gave way to modernity in 1976 with an electric light fitting. Prior to its construction, sailors seeking safe harbor relied on the luminous signals of towering bonfires set ablaze atop the 'Hill of Pilots'. With several Bollywood movies shot here, the Aguada Fort and lighthouse is a popular destination for Hindi film buffs, school excursionists and history loving tourists alike.