Portuguese Architecture in Goa

On landing in Goa in 1512, the Portuguese first made churches with little stress on embellishments. Later Classical elements crept in to the church designs. Till the middle of the 18th century the religious buildings informed the style of secular architecture. These buildings were massive two storeyed structures with a small opening on the ground floor and large windows on the first floor. Double storeyed houses were a throwback of the Portuguese double storeyed mansion. Double storied houses which were constructed later show the varied designs that were used for decorating the house.

By the 18th century another style in building construction evolved. It was the single-storeyed house inspired by the Hinducourtyard house.

It is obvious from the buildings dating before the coming of the Portuguse which still survive today that they too imbibed Westernstyle features. With the evolution of the Goan identity, the metamorphised house with features like porch and veranda became important elements inhouse designs.

Goan houses reveal Italian classical features in the planning of the facade. Da Cunha said the later 19th century houses were a mixture of neo-classicism and neo-gothic. Neo-gothic enhanced the decorative element. The influence of the Italian classical style from religious percolated down to every aspect of detailing.

The interplay of Mannerist and Roccoco features with Maratha and Mughal interpreted in a folksy manner gave birth to a style of house by the end of 19th century which can be called a Goan house.

Next >>