Casas Antigas

On the back roads where people are few and far between, where silence is left to its own devices, shattered only occasionally by a motorbike curving past you, it’s easy to be lulled into the melody of a melancholy road winding past old Portuguese-era homes.



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 individuals recently.











The first thing you notice as you stroll in the Goa heritage houses is the grand architectural style of the Portuguese era. These houses are built in such distinct styles, that very rarely can you see any other house that matches the style, the art and the splendor of these heritage homes. These houses are inspired by the European architectural flavor and style. Mostly, the houses are built from red laterite stones and sometimes wood with the roofs decorated with terracotta tiles. These heritage homes are also decorated with all the best things found in the world. Some heritage homes in Goa for instance are filled with porcelain from China, mirrors from Venice, Chandeliers from Belgium and intricately crafted furniture from the local craftsman. Tourists can visit these houses only if they have written permission from the concerned authorities. It is therefore advisable to plan your visit to these heritage homes well in advance