Goa is a state in southwestern India, located in an area where the earliest traces of human settlement date back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The area was ruled by the Maurya and Satavahana empires during the Iron Age. In the Middle Ages, Goa was ruled by the Kadamba Kingdom, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Sultanate and Bijapur Sultanate. Goa later became known for the Portuguese invasion and Portuguese cultural influence. The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510 and defeated the Bijapur Sultanate. After this, Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and of course it had a great influence not only on Goa’s culture but also on the regional cuisine and architecture of the city.

The Portuguese called it Velha Goa, and it became an important trading post and administrative center. Goa was also known as Sindabur or Sandābūr by medieval Arab geographers. The Portuguese introduced new building styles, cuisines and religious practices that can still be seen today and are part of the state’s identity. In 1961, India took control of Goa after a 36-hour battle and integrated it into the country. Initially, Goa was part of the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, and in 1987 Goa became an independent state. Today, Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, markets and historic buildings, which stand in a beautiful mix of architectural styles such as Portuguese, Indian and Mughal.

There are many things to see in Goa, which is in many ways a unique place in India. It is natural to start in the capital Panaji, where one of the most iconic places is Fontainhas, considered the city’s Latin Quarter. Fontainhas is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage district with the area’s Portuguese influence on architecture and culture. Here you can take a walk and enjoy the colorful facades, which are in many ways reminiscent of their homeland Portugal. Fontainhas is known for its narrow streets, colonial buildings and art galleries. It is a great experience just to walk around the neighborhood, where you can visit the church Capela de São Sebastião/Chapel of St. Sebastian, which was built in a simple but beautiful architecture in 1818. If you want to visit an art gallery, you can visit the Gitanjali Gallery for example to experience local art.

Close to Fontainhas, you can walk to the Praca da Igreja square, where you can see the impressive Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição/Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, which stands as a landmark of the city with its colonial architecture and its characteristic zigzag stairs. The church was originally built as a chapel in 1541 to serve the religious needs of Portuguese sailors who arrived in the colony. In 1609, the chapel was replaced by the current larger church as part of the Portuguese religious expansion. The church is known for its Baroque architecture and its façade, painted in a bright white colour to symbolise the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. In the 18th century, the symmetrical zigzag steps were added to the church, giving it a unique and impressive appearance. The church is situated on a hill overlooking Panaji and the surrounding area and offers a panoramic view. The church offers regular masses in English, Konkani and Portuguese, reflecting Goa’s multicultural heritage.

Goa also has several important museums that offer an insight into the city’s rich culture and history. The Goa State Museum is located in Panaji and houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds and artistic objects. The museum has several galleries that display sculptures, paintings and manuscripts, among other things. While in Panaji, it is also interesting to explore the area around the Mandovi River, which runs east-west along the city’s riverside promenade. Along the Mandovi are several historical buildings and markets, and the river is a popular place for boat trips to several places such as Fort Aguada at the mouth of the river to the west. From a boat trip you can also enjoy the view of Panaji.