Vasai fort (Mumbai)
Mumbai's northern suburb of Vasai is a quaint amalgam of old-world charm V and modernity. Over the years, people have called it Baxay, Bassein, and Bacaim (all of them pronounced Basai). Today, the ruins of the massive Bassein Fort, a few churches and villages of the original inhabitants mark this settlement. The Yadavas built Fort Bassein (then, Baxay) in 1184 AD. The Gujarat Sultanate also built upon the existing fort. It was during the Portuguese acquisition of the land in 1534 AD that Fort Bacaim (a name given by the Portuguese) resurrected. They bombed the 12th-century fort and built the Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim or the Fort of St. Sebastian of Vasai. Also called the Northern Court or "Corte da Norte", its southern counterpart being Goa. Today, I take you through a pictorial journey of this heritage jewel that lies at a stone's throw from Mumbai. Seeing this place, a friend quipped, 'Why to visit Goa when we have Vasai next door?"
1. An interesting spiral staircase leading to the bell tower of the Holy Name of Jesus Church
2. The next major structure you see is the Holy Name of Jesus Church and Jesuit Callege
3. As we enter the fan through Purta Da Tera, the first visible structure is thuat of Franciscan Chiurch of Saint Antonio, ar St. Anthony's Church Here's the front view of the church.
4.The dancing hall of the Captain's Palace
5. Tombstones at the Francican Chunh of Saint Antonio
7. A Portuguese Coat of Arms
8. Entrance to the Jesuit College. The most famous pupil of the Jesuit college is India's first christian saint, Gonçalo Garcia, a Vasai resident.
10. One of the tombstones in Saint Anthony's Church
11. Corinthian pillars and other decorative elements adorn the entrance of the Holy Name of Jesus Church
12. Ruins of the soldiers' barracks
13. The Church of Our Lady of Life
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