Mormugao Fort, near the Mormugao Harbour, was mainly constructed for protecting the harbour. It was built in 1624 and has 10 km circumference. It has five prisons, a chapel, bulwarks and quarters for the guards. There were 53 guns along with a garrison for 4 officers in this old fortress. In 1963, the Mormugao Fort was given the status of a Major Port that contributed towards the growth of maritime trade.