it had eleven turrets (tinha onze pecas) and was used for the defense of the fort that surrounded Chorão island and those of Calvim. According to Sketch of the City of Goa by Jose Nicolau da Fonseca, it was probably erected at the same time as the Fort of Naroa. The Saint Bartholomew Fort was abandoned in 1811 and now lies in total ruins. Epidemics in Chorão Island Main Article : Epidemics in Chorão Island Education Institutions In 1559, the Jesuits founded a school in Chorão for the children of the village. It is recorded that the number of them at one time reached 400. Reading, writing and Christian doctrine were taught in this school. According to the belief of the people the school was functioning in a building situated at the western part of the hill built as a residence of the Jesuits by Fr. Dom João Nunes Baretto S.J. Patriarch of Ethiopia. The Konkani language which was a great help for the conversion work was probably taught in this school. It was meant for the Jesuits. Seminary of Chorão Main Article : Real Colégio de Educação de Chorão Latin School According to a decree issued on 19 April 1871 after a resolution had been passed by the Communidade of Chorão on 6 February 1870, it was decided to establish on the Island of Chorão at the expense of the Communidade of Chorão a School of Latin, the payment of the Professor who was to be appointed by the Government of the State. English School In 1944 Fr. Elias Gama wanted to built a new English School in Chorão Island, he could not do it as there was one founded by Mr. Januario Pereira of Boctavaddo, St Barthomews High School, though it was not actually running. It was the merit of Fr. Elias Gama to restart it. On 6 November 1952 new building of School was inaugurated by Dom José da Costa Nunes. The medium is English and the School prepares for the S.S.C examination Villages The Chorão island constituted of three comunidades namely: Saude is the centre of the island. Chorão This village is located on the south of the island. Village Church Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Graça Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island) Ambelim This village is located on the north west of the island. Village Church Igreja de São Bartolomeu, Chorão St Bartholomew's Church