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Houses of Goa: A Blend of Konkan and Portuguese Styles
Houses of Goa is a quirky museum. An architectural marvel bringing alive the amalgamation of Portuguese and Konkani styles, it also throws light on Goan history.
The Houses of Goa museum is found in the Salvador do Mundo (Savior of the World) village in Porvorim, away from the Mapusa highway.
It is a triangular multi level building that closely resembles a ship marooned on an island. It is a museum created by a well-known local architect - Gerard da Cunha. His work illuminates Goan history in all its facets. A tour through this ship-shaped building is undoubtedly a voyage back in time.
The Portuguese arrived in Goa and began recreating their European lifestyle here. However, eventually, their sensibilities blended with the local culture, giving rise to a unique culture that is typically today’s Goa.
The amalgamation of the Konkani and Portuguese styles of architecture is evident everywhere in the museum - in the doorways, the arches, the window grills, the mirrors, the furniture and even in the flowers and plants grown in the gardens. The changes that Goan architecture went through over the last 450 years of Portuguese rule is told as a compelling story in the Houses of Goa museum.
Houses of Goa is a must-visit for those interested in art and architecture.
Mario Gallery is nearby and should be the next stop for folks who come to this museum.
Good to know :
Location: 3 km from Sterling Bardez, 35 km from Sterling Varca.
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