About

Corjuem fort or Khorjuve fort is situated 4km North of Pomburpa, alongside the Mapusa river near the village of Aldona. It was built in 1705 by the Portuguese. Built in 1705, the fort has a rather interesting story set in it. One Ursula e Lancaster, an ambitious Portuguese woman determined to succeed in a man’s world, dressed like one and traveled the world. Eventually landing up here as a soldier. Finally, her secret was discovered when she was captured and stripped. But the woman was in a different league – she ended up marrying the captain of the guard. The original occupiers of this Fort were the Bhonsles from the Sawantwadi State. Under the Portuguese Viceroy Caetano de Mello e Castro, the control of the fort came under Portuguese India’s administration. The fort was subsequently rebuilt by the Portuguese to boost up defenses along Panajim. In the early 1800s, the fort was used as a Military School and had in its defenses a battery of four guns. The fortress defended the town of Corjuem and also had a chapel under the parochial church of Aldona. Corjuem is well connected with mainland Aldona by a cable suspension bridge. This bridge is the only suspension bridge in Goa and is a major tourist attraction by itself. This fort is smaller than the other forts in Goa, but it gives a good view of the surrounding river and land. This fort was made out of pitted laterite stones. It has a small chapel within the fort. This fort used to protect the Portuguese from the Marathas, Rane Rajputs, and the Bhonsles. This fort is in ruins but it does offer you a chance to experience history as you take a walk through this ancient fort. One can see a small chapel dedicated to Mae de Deus (Mother of God) whose feast is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. This chapel was erected by Joao Felipe Ferreira from Divar in 1854 at his own cost along with some contributions from the Islanders. Thus the Catholics at the Corjuem Island celebrate two main festivals - one of Mae de Deus and the other of St Anthony in June.

There is a temple in Corjuem known as the Shri Sateri Panchayatan Praxn temple. Also, the main Hindu deity in Corjuem is Kalambadevi Satpurush who has six affiliate temples. One will also find a school here known as the Mae de Deus High School. For health care, there is a Health Centre and the Corjuem Gymkhana Club. There are ferry services available from Aldona that take you to Corjuem.

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