Heritage Houses Goa

Goa, which was once the seat of Portuguese government, is home to a lot mansions and homes. Some of these are still in use. Many of the heritage houses in Goa are a combination of Portuguese and Indian forms of architecture. Some of these heritage homes date back to the 16th century.

One can witness the changing trends in architecture as they happened throughout the ages by observing a trail of all cultural houses in Goa. These ancient heritage houses are in fact, the mirror of the ages, they were built in.One can easily feel that elegance and aristocracy reigns supreme in these places.The décor and architecture of these houses carried the stamp of the rulers.This fact is evident in the changing patterns of architecture from one heritage home to another.

Some of the legendary Goan mansions include:

Solar Dos Colacos Mansion

This riverside mansion is situated via the Mandovi River. Built in 1730, according to the European style architecture, the mansion overlooks the islands of Chorao and Diver. The Solar dos Colacos mansion has seen numerous modifications over the years and a private chapel and a wooden floored ballroom are some of the several interesting aspects about this age-old mansion.

Mascarennas Mansion

Located close to the Anjuna beach, this heritage mansion is legendary for its stylish balconies. The wooden floor of the porch and exquisite glass patterns are several of the interesting highlights of the place.

Salvador da Costa Mansion

This 19th century mansion was built via Padre Pedrinho and Padre Laurence. Compared to the grandeur of the other mansions, this heritage house is built rather simplistically. Built on practical lines, you obtain a ringside view of various architectural styles. Gothic windows and typical Indian style balconies are some of the notable features of this century old mansion.

Braganza House

This is one of the oldest heritage houses of Goa. It has been the family home of the Braganzas for more than four centuries. The house is further sub divided into two parts and named after the two brothers. As you walk through this mansion, you get glances of the aristocracy and grandeur of the imperial era.

Some other legendary dwellings of Goa are:

• Miranda Mansion
• Sat Burnzam Ghor
• Figueredo Mansion
• Dr Pinto De Rosario Mansion
• Sr Alvaro Loyola Furtado Mansion