If you are a traveler, you carry your own culture and come with a mix of others's cultures. At the same time, you can get influenced and influence others. If you have ever been to Goa, you must have felt wow! wow! after looking at the Portuguese villas, churches, and mansions. During the Portuguese colonization for more than 400 years, they had a massive influence over urban planning, construction, and architectural styles.
Sun-drenched beaches, swaying palms, and a kaleidoscope of cultures make Goa mesmerizingly vibrant. But beneath the vibrant exterior lies a fascinating story etched in the very architecture that surrounds you. Here, European grandeur and Indian artistry come together to welcome.
The Portuguese, who arrived in the 16th century, left an undeniable mark that is continuously influencing the lives of people who want to live in style. Imagine towering churches with their distinctive facades, echoing European styles like Manueline and Baroque. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime example of its imposing structure, adorned with intricate carvings.
Local, skilled artisans in laterite stonework and woodwork incorporated their touches to coherently complement each other. Verandas with sloping tiled roofs and beautiful balconies in a distinct Indo-Portuguese style just match the vibe of the beaches, vibrant sunsets, and the velocity of the winds.
The majestic curves and arches speak volumes about the Portuguese influence, and the extensive use of laterite and the open courtyard whisper the converging influence of Indianness. Don't miss the charming villages where Portuguese influences mingle with traditional Indian homes. Here, you'll find houses with both European-style windows and ubiquitous sloping roofs, a testament to the harmonious co-existence of styles. Fusion is fantastically artistic.
Goa's architectural legacy can be experienced when you take a walk through the streets, and you'll hear whispers of history in the creaking floorboards of an old Portuguese house or see a reflection of the setting sun on the laterite facade of a temple.
Prominent Portuguese-influenced structures in Goa:
Basilica of Bom Jesus: This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds the history and boldness of Portuguese-influenced architecture in Goa, with a stunning façade, intricate reliefs, and ornate interiors that reflect the grandeur and opulence of the Portuguese colonial era.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus#/media/File:Basilica_of_bom_jesus_-_Front_View.jpg
Fort Aguada showcases the Portuguese military architecture style, which can be characterized by the use of laterite stone for strong, imposing walls. The upper level was designed to focus on defense, while the lower level provided a safe harbor for Portuguese ships.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Aguada#/media/File:Fort_aguada.jpg
Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia and built in Manueline style, is an architectural marvel that exhibits a blend of Gothic and Portuguese influence.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se_Cathedral#/media/File:Se%E2%80%99_Cathedral,_Goa.jpg
Church of St. Francis of Assisi: Its ornate entrance, decorative motifs, and serene interiors glorify the Portuguese architectural influence on Goan religious architecture.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_and_Convent_of_St._Francis_of_Assisi#/media/File:Church_of_St._Francis_of_Assisi.jpg
You can experience how the Portuguese influenced Goan architecture and are now influencing all of us with a harmonious blend of European luxury and Indian artistry.