Corjuém Island
Corjuém Island
Once the frontier of Portuguese India, Corjuém Island offers a glimpse into a Goa long forgotten. Nestled amidst rocky outcrops, lush paddy fields, swaying coconut groves, and flourishing cashew trees, the island carries with it the timeless charm of heritage and nature in harmony. A visit to Corjuém is not just a journey across the river—it is a step back into the soul of old Goa
Once the frontier of Portuguese India, Corjuém Island offers a glimpse into a Goa long forgotten. Nestled amidst rocky outcrops, lush paddy fields, swaying coconut groves, and flourishing cashew trees, the island carries with it the timeless charm of heritage and nature in harmony. A visit to Corjuém is not just a journey across the river—it is a step back into the soul of old Goa
The Ferreira family dressed traditionally.
History of Corjuem
History of Corjuem
History of Corjuem
1705 - 1961
1705 - 1961
Corjuem Island once marked the frontier of Portuguese India, forming part of the Old Conquests of Goa. With the expansion into the New Conquests of Bicholim, Sattari, and Pernem in the late 18th century, Corjuem Fort was repurposed as a Military School, housing a battery of four guns until it was de-garrisoned in 1834.
In 1835, the island was purchased by Adv. João Filippe Ferreira, a lawyer whose family roots lay in Divar and Aldona. For nearly a century, Corjuem remained a family-owned plantation, with cashews, mangoes, and rice forming the backbone of its agricultural economy.
Corjuem Island once marked the frontier of Portuguese India, forming part of the Old Conquests of Goa. With the expansion into the New Conquests of Bicholim, Sattari, and Pernem in the late 18th century, Corjuem Fort was repurposed as a Military School, housing a battery of four guns until it was de-garrisoned in 1834.
In 1835, the island was purchased by Adv. João Filippe Ferreira, a lawyer whose family roots lay in Divar and Aldona. For nearly a century, Corjuem remained a family-owned plantation, with cashews, mangoes, and rice forming the backbone of its agricultural economy.
Adv. Carlos Eugenio Ferreira.
Dr. Jaime Valfredo Rangel with the first president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Left: Adv. Carlos Eugenio Ferreira.
Right: Dr. Jaime Valfredo Rangel with the first president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad
The iconic Corjuem Bridge. Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
Development
Development
1961 - Present
1961 - Present
By the 20th century, the fifth generation of the family, led by Adv. Carlos Ferreira Álvares and Dr. José Rangel, envisioned a larger future for Corjuem. They encouraged families from across Goa to settle here, building roads and providing land for homes, chapels, temples, and community institutions. Much of the family’s estate was sold or donated at nominal rates, allowing the island to evolve into an inclusive and thriving community.
Historically, Corjuem was not listed as a separate village, being considered part of Aldona. It first appeared as an independent entry in the 1971 Census, with a population of 467. By 2011, that number had grown nearly sixfold to 2,725. Today it comes under the jurisdiction of the Aldona Panchayat and in the Aldona Assembly Constituency.
Stories
Stories
The Fort
1705 - Present
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Corjuem Island, Corjuem Fort is a hidden gem of Goan heritage. Built in 1705 from laterite stone, it is one of only two inland forts in Goa that still stand today. From its walls, soldiers once enjoyed sweeping views of the surrounding countryside—a reminder of the fort’s strategic importance.
In the early 1800s, it served as a Military School with a battery of four guns, before being abandoned in 1834. Even today, you can walk through its ruins and see traces of the Captain’s Quarters and old barracks.
The Department of Archaeology, Government of Goa, is currently restoring the fort with support from the Álvares Ferreira and Rangel families, including plans for an amphitheatre. Corjuem Fort has also found its place in popular culture as a filming location for the Bollywood movie Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
A visit here offers more than just history—it’s a chance to enjoy scenic views, explore timeless architecture, and experience a slice of Goa that feels far removed from the crowds.
The Fort
1705 - Present
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Corjuem Island, Corjuem Fort is a hidden gem of Goan heritage. Built in 1705 from laterite stone, it is one of only two inland forts in Goa that still stand today. From its walls, soldiers once enjoyed sweeping views of the surrounding countryside—a reminder of the fort’s strategic importance.
In the early 1800s, it served as a Military School with a battery of four guns, before being abandoned in 1834. Even today, you can walk through its ruins and see traces of the Captain’s Quarters and old barracks.
The Department of Archaeology, Government of Goa, is currently restoring the fort with support from the Álvares Ferreira and Rangel families, including plans for an amphitheatre. Corjuem Fort has also found its place in popular culture as a filming location for the Bollywood movie Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
A visit here offers more than just history—it’s a chance to enjoy scenic views, explore timeless architecture, and experience a slice of Goa that feels far removed from the crowds.
Mae de Deus
1854 - Present
The Chapel of Mãe de Deus (Mother of God) is one of Corjuem’s most cherished landmarks. Built in 1854 by Adv. João Filippe Ferreira, with support from the island’s residents, the chapel has stood as a symbol of faith and community for over a century and a half.
Adv. Ferreira, who played a key role in shaping the island’s history, is laid to rest in a perpetual grave beneath the chapel’s altar. Located opposite Residência Ferreira, the chapel remains a place of prayer and heritage for the people of Corjuem.
The highlight of the year is the chapel’s feast, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, when the community gathers to honor its patron and preserve a tradition that continues to unite generations.
The Ferreira family dressed traditionally.
Mae de Deus
1854 - Present
The Chapel of Mãe de Deus (Mother of God) is one of Corjuem’s most cherished landmarks. Built in 1854 by Adv. João Filippe Ferreira, with support from the island’s residents, the chapel has stood as a symbol of faith and community for over a century and a half.
Adv. Ferreira, who played a key role in shaping the island’s history, is laid to rest in a perpetual grave beneath the chapel’s altar. Located opposite Residência Ferreira, the chapel remains a place of prayer and heritage for the people of Corjuem.
The highlight of the year is the chapel’s feast, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, when the community gathers to honor its patron and preserve a tradition that continues to unite generations.
The Ferreira family dressed traditionally.
Folklore
Folklore
A village rich in history and connection to the arts
Legend c. 1700’s
The Downfall of theives
Local legend states that St Thomas appeared to a group of theives to prevent them from robbing a church. The band of robbers eventually met their downfall at the hands of the local women
Legend c. 1700’s
The Downfall of theives
Local legend states that St Thomas appeared to a group of theives to prevent them from robbing a church. The band of robbers eventually met their downfall at the hands of the local women
Legend c. 1700’s
The Downfall of theives
Local legend states that St Thomas appeared to a group of theives to prevent them from robbing a church. The band of robbers eventually met their downfall at the hands of the local women
1926
Making Folk Music History
The Dekhni Song ‘Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Vetam’ (I’m crossing the river), a staple of Konkani music history was composed by a son of corjuem, Carlos EUgenio Ferreira
1926
Making Folk Music History
The Dekhni Song ‘Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Vetam’ (I’m crossing the river), a staple of Konkani music history was composed by a son of corjuem, Carlos EUgenio Ferreira
1926
Making Folk Music History
The Dekhni Song ‘Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Vetam’ (I’m crossing the river), a staple of Konkani music history was composed by a son of corjuem, Carlos EUgenio Ferreira
1705
A New Frontier
Portuguese build the Corjuem fort as the international border outpost of Portuguese India
1705
A New Frontier
Portuguese build the Corjuem fort as the international border outpost of Portuguese India
1705
A New Frontier
Portuguese build the Corjuem fort as the international border outpost of Portuguese India
1973
Bringing a Goan Connection to Bollywood
The same folk song reminiscing the shores of corjuem features in the Iconic Bollywood movie ‘Bobby (1973).
1973
Bringing a Goan Connection to Bollywood
The same folk song reminiscing the shores of corjuem features in the Iconic Bollywood movie ‘Bobby (1973).
1973
Bringing a Goan Connection to Bollywood
The same folk song reminiscing the shores of corjuem features in the Iconic Bollywood movie ‘Bobby (1973).
1710
A Portuguese Mulan
Maria Úrsula de Abreu e Lencastre was famous Brazillian adventuress who impersonated a man and lived as a soldier at Corjuem Fort
1710
A Portuguese Mulan
Maria Úrsula de Abreu e Lencastre was famous Brazillian adventuress who impersonated a man and lived as a soldier at Corjuem Fort
1710
A Portuguese Mulan
Maria Úrsula de Abreu e Lencastre was famous Brazillian adventuress who impersonated a man and lived as a soldier at Corjuem Fort
2007
Fortresses as a Background for Romance
Corjuem fort is among the series of forts used as a background for the character development in the film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.’
2007
Fortresses as a Background for Romance
Corjuem fort is among the series of forts used as a background for the character development in the film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.’
2007
Fortresses as a Background for Romance
Corjuem fort is among the series of forts used as a background for the character development in the film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.’
Mae de Deus
1854 - Present
The Chapel of Mãe de Deus (Mother of God) is one of Corjuem’s most cherished landmarks. Built in 1854 by Adv. João Filippe Ferreira, with support from the island’s residents, the chapel has stood as a symbol of faith and community for over a century and a half.
Adv. Ferreira, who played a key role in shaping the island’s history, is laid to rest in a perpetual grave beneath the chapel’s altar. Located opposite Residência Ferreira, the chapel remains a place of prayer and heritage for the people of Corjuem.
The highlight of the year is the chapel’s feast, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, when the community gathers to honor its patron and preserve a tradition that continues to unite generations.
The Fort
1705 - Present
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of Corjuem Island, Corjuem Fort is a hidden gem of Goan heritage. Built in 1705 from laterite stone, it is one of only two inland forts in Goa that still stand today. From its walls, soldiers once enjoyed sweeping views of the surrounding countryside—a reminder of the fort’s strategic importance.
In the early 1800s, it served as a Military School with a battery of four guns, before being abandoned in 1834. Even today, you can walk through its ruins and see traces of the Captain’s Quarters and old barracks.
The Department of Archaeology, Government of Goa, is currently restoring the fort with support from the Álvares Ferreira and Rangel families, including plans for an amphitheatre. Corjuem Fort has also found its place in popular culture as a filming location for the Bollywood movie Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
A visit here offers more than just history—it’s a chance to enjoy scenic views, explore timeless architecture, and experience a slice of Goa that feels far removed from the crowds.