Heritage Homes in Goa
The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years and their influence on
the living styles and dwellings of the inhabitants has been deep
The State of Goa is proud of its heritage and encourages you to
come in person to take a guided tour of the restored Portuguese
Homes and Palaces. The identification, preservation, conservation,
protection and rehabilitation of buildings, structures, streetscapes,
areas and districts of historic, architectural or cultural value,
in both urban and rural areas, and to encourage their continued
use has been a driving force behind several restoration projects
undertaken by the state and several indivisuals recently.
Every culture expresses their genius in different ways.
Architecture on this territory occupied by the Portuguese shows
original characteristics which differentiate it from other colonial
architectures. This phenomenon is a fruit of profound mixing of
the Indian and Portuguese cultures which the characterization
Indo Portuguese art conveys perfectly.
Goan houses reveal Italian
classical features in the planning of the facade. the later
19th century houses were a mixture of neo-classicism and
neo-gothic. Neo-gothic enhanced the decorative element.
The influence of the Italian classical style from religious
percolated down to every aspect of detailing.
The interplay of Mannerist and Roccoco features with Maratha
and Mughal interpreted in a folksy manner gave birth to
a style of house by the end of 19th century which can be
called a Goan house |
