GOA MONUMENTS
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FortsThere are quite a few Old Portuguese forts dotted around Goa, most of them on the coast. Most of them are in reasonable state of preservation and are worth a visit. The one at Chapora is particularly recommended. The one at Terekhol has been converted into hotel accomodation. Built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to command the entry into the river Mandovi, in order to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there. The fort houses presently the Central Jail.
Despite the earnest attempts to spread Roman Catholicism, only 38 % of Goans today are Christian. In Ponda itself is the Safe Masjid mosque, built in 1560; for some reason the Portuguese neglected to knock it down.
Safa Masjid -The Shahouri Masjid, the biggest and most famous of the 27 mosques in Ponda taluka was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. Adjacent to the Mosque is well-constructed masonry tank with small chambers with 'meharab' designs. The two major festivals Id-Ul-Fitr and Id-Ul-Zuha are celebrated at this mosque with great pomp and are attended by a large number of people.
Jama Masjid -26 Kms from Margao at Sanguem. Built in the last century, the Jama Masjid was completely renovated in 1959. The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity. It has four minarets whilst the entrance facade is flanked by two elegant turrets surmounted by pillared kiosks. A dome shaped kiosk rises in the centre of the four minarets. Festivals are celebrated here with due solemnity and eclat by the rejoicing devotes.