Corjuem Fort

Corjuem Fort is also known as Khorjuem Fort. It is smaller than the other forts in Goa, but it gives a good view of the surrounding river and land. According to late Father Moreno de Souza the island name originates from Khor as in khorik which means deep or lower and Zunvem which means island.
The Corjuem Fort was constructed in the year 1551. The fort is a relatively small fort and is square shaped. The walls are wide and have numerous gun ports and murder holes. At each corner of the fort is a ramp like stair that leads to the ramparts. The Fort has a well and a three room living quarters. The chapel of St. Anthony was earlier known to have been in the Corjuem Fort.

The Corjuem Fort was protected by the Portuguese from the Marathas, Bhonsles and the Rane Rajputs in the 19th century. This Fort is also associated with a Portuguese lady soldier named Ursula e Lancaster, who tried to make it big in a man's world. She disguised herself as man and joined the army. 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 Fort is surrounded by lush greenery and one can get a full view of beautiful villages and islands nearby. The Fort is built out of pitted laterite stones. 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 parochial church of Aldona. Corjuem is well connected with Aldona by a cable suspension bridge which is a major source of attraction and it is the only suspension bridge in Goa.

About Corjuem Fort
Located in the Bardez Taluka in Northern Goa, it is actually a small island fortress which got constructed in the year 1705. It is square in shape and is featured with many murder holes and gun ports. There are ramparts which can be reached through the ramp like stairs that stands on the corners of the fortress. The fort was basically built by Portuguese to protect themselves from the Bhonsles, Rana Rajputs and Marathas during 19th century. The beauty and historical importance has made the fort popular to the tourists. The beautiful islands and villages can be fully viewed from this fort. Pitted lateritic stones have been used to build it. Lush greeneries surround the fort which looks awesome. Visitors are attracted towards the fort due to a cable suspension bridge that connects Corjuem and Aldona. This is a major factor that attracts tourist towards Corjuem as it is one and only such bridge in the whole state.

In present days the condition of the fort is not so good due to weathering and few parts of the fort is ruined.But still it is in better condition and offers a significant spot for the tourists. Being on top of the hill, it offers stunning view of the countryside.The visit to Aldona is incomplete without visiting the Corjuem Fort. The place could have a wonderful historical destination if the Goa tourism department had taken care of it. People visited there have a good review about the place. Although the place is not well maintained but the structure looks ancient and the entrance could not be seen properly. It is a secluded place near Mapusa River, and make sure to visit the cable suspension bridge while you are there.