Do you know the Portugese ruled over Goa for 450 years? Isn't it
difficult to nullify the influence of Portugese? Houses are built by people,
history preserves them and tourists behold them in admiration. Portugese
left Goa in 1961, but still where ever you look, you'll see their lasting
impact on everything. The country mansions were built between the 18th and
20th century, where Indians and Europeans met. The landscape of Goa is
dotted with heritage houses, villas, mansions that are a reminder of the
Portuguese era. Thrill yourself by looking at some unique examples of clever
amalgam of the Indian and Portuguese styles. At some places you can even
enjoy the glimpses of European and Italian styles. So, now get ready to
amaze yourself by watching some of the exclusive architectural heritages of
Goa. Walk into any of the grand mansions and you will be bewildered to see
how much care is taken to beautify these residences.
Some of The Grandiose Structures
Salvador Da Costa Mansion
Plan a trip to Loutolim and astonish yourself by seeing some dream houses
with fairy tales gardens scattered everywhere. A 19th century creation will
take your heart away by its magnificent grandeur. A creation of Padre
Pedrinho and Padre Laurence is known for its Gothic style windows, wide
verandas and cluster columns.
Figueredo Mansion
The most fascinating feature of this house is the balcony or porch, with
its pyramidal angled roof, supported on elephantine columns, which are often
crimped with intricately moulded capitals. Sit on the entrance steps leading
to the balcony. This passage was the place where, the family spent long
hours in conversation. It is amazing to see the adorned ceilings, rich wall
paintings and the China mosaic that beautified its floors.
Mascarenhas
Mansion
This mansion located on Goa's most happening beach Anjuna has a rich and
classic 'balcoes' (balconies). An L shaped seat along the porch is carved
out of expensive and delicate wood. There are also some fine stained glass
floral engravings which re no longer made or available these days.
Solar Dos Colacos Mansion
Solar dos Colacoa Mansion is situated at Ribandar on the left bank of the
River Mandovi, half-way between Old Goa and Panjim. It is built in baroque
style with an imposing frontage and an excellent view of islands and the
historical churches of Old Goa.
Vivian Coutinho Mansion
Vivian Coutinho Mansion in Fatorda, at the entrance of Margao, depicts the
hard work and sincerity that went into the planning of the entrance of a
house. The Coutinhos had a well-maintained picturesque garden.
Colaco Mansion
This is perhaps the only mansion facing the water front wth beautiful walls
colored in Ox-blood colour, one of the three traditional colours of Goan
exteriors, the other being White (very Portuguese) and indigo (very Indian).
The corridor of this massive structure runs along the front facade and faces
the Mandovi River
Dr. Pinto De Rosario Mansion
Pinto de Rosario Mansion is amidst Panjim and Mapusa in Porvorim. The rare
pieces like cut-glass, silver, blue china, ivory are of superb quality The
Italian floor tiling is the highlight of the parlour. Above the intricately
carved sofa is a Dutch tapestry, an imitation of Rembrandt's Night Watch.
The love- chair is believed to be 200 years old.
Some Other Mansions
Goa is dotted with many other Architectural pieces such as magnificent
Albuquerque mansion depicts an antique architectural art with classical
balconies. Then you can view Miranda Mansion- built in 1710 this mansion has
a separate chapel for worship. Then there is another mansion in Margao Sat
Burnzam an imitation of typical Portuguese style has a doble storeyed
facade. Another marvel is Dr Alvaro Loyola Furtado Mansion in Chinchinim
exhibiting richness unmatched at the time it was built ie in 1883. If you
have a deep interest for architecture then just set on foot and you will
discover various examples yourself.
