Discover Goa’s Interesting Portuguese Heritage At These Awe-Inspiring Landmarks

Goa has a very rich history, the state was a former Portuguese colony for around 450 years, which is the longest period of time that India has been ruled under an empire. There are western influences and remnants all around the state which date back to Goa’s Portuguese era, including heritage buildings such as churches, forts, cathedrals and mansions. Traveasy offers cheap flights to Goa, taking you to this charming state in style. Below is a list of some of Goa’s most admirable Portuguese landmarks.

Braganza House

This 17th century mansion is set in Chandor Village and is considered as the most grandeur example of a Portuguese mansion in Goa. It was built by the Braganzas and was later divided into two separate wings. The east wing is occupied by the Pereira-Braganza family with a chapel, several artefacts, personal objects and a grand ballroom and the west wing belongs to the Menezes-Braganza family with a collection of ancient portraits, furniture and antiques, plus a large private library.

Palacio do Deao

This impressive mansion is set in the Goan town of Quepem and was built by Jose Paulo, the founder of Quepem and the town’s Dean of the Church. Palacio do Deao features a blend of Hindu and Portuguese architectural styles, beautifully preserved historic gardens, a chapel, gallery, a library home to rare historical books and a collection of artworks, artefacts and antiques. Palacio do Deao was restored by Goans Ruben and Celia Vasco da Gama who currently own the property.

Casa Araujo Alvares

The village of Loutolim in Goa has many Portuguese mansions, only a few of which are open to the public. This includes Casa Araujo Alvares, which is over 250 years old. The historic mansion is owned by the Alvares family and is furnished with intricate décor, old photos and European antiques, plus thousands of Ganesh idols, a prayer room and old rooms which have been preserved for centuries. The family created a sound and light tour of Casa Araujo Alvares, with commentary educating visitors on the life of Goan-Portuguese families during Goa’s Portuguese era.

Se Cathedral

Se Cathedral is one of the most ancient buildings in Goa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the late 15th century. This spectacular religious monument is devoted to St. Catherine of Alexandria and was consecrated in 1640, featuring Portuguese-Gothic architectural styles, a Corinthian interior and an adjoining convent which has transformed into an archaeological museum, plus a giant bell called the Golden Bell, intricately carved altars and paintings depicting scenes of St. Catherine of Alexandria’s life.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

This Roman Catholic church was established by the Portuguese in 1517, and started as a small chapel which later transformed into a church that consecrated in 1602. The church features a mixture of Tuscan exteriors with octagonal-shaped towers and a richly decorated interior with Baroque and Corinthian styles, an ornamental niche, religious statues, frescos and paintings with scenes of St. Francis’ life. The adjacent convert is home to an interesting museum which contains a selection of historic artefacts.

Secure cheap flight offers to Goa and look forward to stepping back in time at these stunning Portuguese landmarks.

Author Bio:

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