MARGAO (MADGAON)
ABOUT MARGAO (MADGAON):
- Second most important city of Goa.
- It was once a major religious and educational centre, well known for its numerous wealthy temples.
- Its glorious heritage was destroyed when the Portuguese took over the area into their ‘Novas Conquistas’ during the 17th century.
- Portuguese influence can steel be seen in its imposing old mansions, which are considered to be the finest example of Portuguese architecture in entire Goa.
- City is also shopper’s delight and the weekly Friday fairs held here are very interesting and popular.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Goa International Airport, Dabolim (GOI), 25 kms away from Margao city.
- Rail: Margao Railway Station, Margao, 4 kms away from Margao city.
- Road: Well connected with NH 17.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
|
FORT & MONUMENTS |
Largo De Igreja or Main Church Square |
|
HOLY CENTRE |
Church of the Holy Spirit Damodar Temple |
|
SCENIC SITE |
Chandor |
|
HISTORIC SITE |
Loutulim Ancestral Goa (Big Foot) |
|
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
|
For more information visit https://www.goa.gov.in/places/margao/
ATTRACTIONS OF MARGAO (MADGAON)
Church of the Holy Spirit:
- Church at Old Market Square was built in 1675.
- Considered to be the finest example of Baroque architecture in India.
Largo De Igreja or Main Church Square:
- Some of the grandest Portuguese mansions built in Spanish and Colonial architecture can be seen here.
- These are noted for spacious terraces, patios and red tiled sloping roof.
Damodar Temple:
- Famous for the Dindi Festival.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND MARGAO (MADGAON)
Loutulim:
- 9 kms away from Margao city centre.
- Peaceful village is a fine place to explore the Goan countryside.
- Some grand old houses built in Goan country house architecture are noteworthy.
Ancestral Goa (Big Foot):
- Centre for art, culture and environment has a mock village set-up amidst eco-friendly surroundings to illustrate a cross-section of Goan village life as it was a hundred years ago.
- Local artefacts and handicrafts are available at the handicraft centre and art gallery.
- Legend of Big Foot is narrated here, which says that if you place your foot on the rock embedded foot print, with a pure heart, the lady luck will smile at you.
- Country’s longest laterite monolithic sculpture and was sculpted in Greco-Roman style.
Chandor:
- 13 kms away from Margao city centre.
- Small village is noted for its splendid villas, farmhouses and shady tree-lined lanes.
- It is also the site of ancient Chandrapur, the capital of Kadamba dynasty.
