Margao
Margao has an old-worldly charm about it because of its Portuguese churches,
and some magnificent specimens of old Portuguese houses complete with shady
balcaos (porches) and oyster-shell windows in its Borda area.
The Largo de Igreja, or the Church of the Holy Spirit as it is also known, dominates
the entrance to the city, just north of the Municipal Garden square. The church
area is surrounded by beautiful old residential houses still in pristine condition.
The church was built by the Portuguese in 1675 and is one of the finest examples
of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting a pristine white façade
and an interior dripping with gilt crystal and stucco.
Just within walking distance of the Church, is the famous "House of Seven
Gables" or "Sat Burzam Ghor". This magnificent mansion was commissioned
in 1790 by Sebastino da Silva, emissary and private secretary of the Portuguese
Viceroy. Although only three of the seven gables remain today, they are enough
to give the visitor an idea of the size of the original edifice.
The town has an excellent market area stretching from the south edge of the
main square to within a stone's throw of the old railway station. The Bazaar
centres on a labyrinthine covered area that's a rich source of authentic souvenirs
and a good place to browse for some bargain shopping.
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: Margao's new Train station, the only stop in Goa for quite a few
long distance express services on the Konkan Railway, lies 3 kms south of the
town centre. The Reservation office (Monday-Saturday, 8.00 am-4.30 pm, Sunday
8.00 am- 2.00 pm) at the station is divided between the ground and the first
floor. There is also a 24-hour Information Centre and round-the-clock pre-paid
auto rickshaw stand outside the exit.
Road: Local private buses to Colva and surrounding villages make stops
at various places inside the town. Long distance buses to Panaji, Vasco and
destinations outside Goa, stop and leave from the main Kadamba Bus Stand, 3
km away on the outskirts of the town.
