Welcome
to South India and experience the untouched delightful South by invasions throughout
its history. South India and the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other
regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devoutees.
Margao
has an old-worldly charm about it because of its Portuguese churches, and
some magnificent specimens of old Portuguese houses complete with shady balcaos
(porches) and oyster-shell windows in its Borda area.
The Largo de Igreja, or the Church of the Holy Spirit as it is also known,
dominates the entrance to the city, just north of the Municipal Garden square.
The church area is surrounded by beautiful old residential houses still in
pristine condition. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1675 and is
one of the finest examples of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting a
pristine white façade and an interior dripping with gilt crystal and
stucco.
Just within walking distance of the Church, is the famous "House of Seven
Gables" or "Sat Burzam Ghor". This magnificent mansion was
commissioned in 1790 by Sebastino da Silva, emissary and private secretary
of the Portuguese Viceroy. Although only three of the seven gables remain
today, they are enough to give the visitor an idea of the size of the original
edifice.
The town has an excellent market area stretching from the south edge of the
main square to within a stone's throw of the old railway station. The Bazaar
centres on a labyrinthine covered area that's a rich source of authentic souvenirs
and a good place to browse for some bargain shopping.
Margao
has an old-worldly charm about it because of its Portuguese churches, and
some magnificent specimens of old Portuguese houses complete with shady balcaos
(porches) and oyster-shell windows in its Borda area.
