Goa is a land of multiple facets. On the one hand it is a party destination that attracts visitors who are looking for a good time, while on the other, it offers a rich culture, colorful history and enduring traditions. Many people are not aware of the latter and go back from their holidays with their perception of Goa only as a land of the sun, sand and the sea, intact.

Fortunately, there is now one powerful destination in Goa that can change people’s perceptions – the Houses of Goa Museum.

Houses of Goa offers glimpses of all that has made Goa what it is today by highlighting the architecture that has evolved over time. In other words, it is all about the houses in Goa dating back to days of yore, that reflect the history of Goa in the way they were built and the materials used to build them.

A unique aspect of the museum is that it is built as a triangular traffic island in Bardez, and resembles a ship! However, once you enter, it takes on a completely different personality as it shares with you the stories of so many houses in Goa.

The brainchild of architect, Gerald da Cunha, the Houses of Goa traces the influence of the Portuguese on Goa’s architecture, and how an interesting amalgam of styles came about which have given Goa it’s own architectural identity.

The museum documents different aspects of the architectural evolution of Goa as reflected in every brick or stone, windows, doors, railings, furniture, and so much more. A comprehensive collection of exhibits includes French doors from an old house built in 1917 in Margao, a quaint and rare hat stand, late 19th century tiles, recovery of shells from rivers, dressed laterite, glass tiles, terracotta tiles, old statues, pictures, altars, the making of mud walls, and the list goes on.

So don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the charming houses of Goa and how they have evolved through the ages.