Margao is also called Madgaon. It is Goa's second largest but busiest town, the
commercial capital of the state, and the administrative headquarters of South Goa
District and of the Salcete Taluka.
Nestled on the banks of the River Sal, Margão is amongst the oldest recorded towns
in Goa. Margao is famous for the huge Portuguese style mansions which dot its
landscape. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Goa.
Margão in pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in Salcete and known as Matha Grama (the village of Mathas) as it was a temple town with nine Mathas in temple schools. Most of the inhabitant were Brahmin. It was then famous for its many outstanding and beautifully built temples, and long before the Portuguese came it had a university with a library. During the Portuguese conquest in 1543 Hindu temples were demolished and Catholic churches were built in their place. Almost all traces of Hindu settlements were wiped out. The first church to be built in Margao, and its replacement in 1579, were destroyed by raiders along with the seminary that had been built along side. The present church was built in 1675.
The initial settlement of Margão grew from the site of the ancient Damodar temple. The original temple was demolished and the temple tank filled up to be replaced by the Holy Spirit church and church grounds. The Hindus carried their deity Damodar (a form of Lord Krishna) across the Zuari Agranashini river to the Hindu territories held by the Sonde Rayas. While the western side of the Church developed as a market place the settlement grew on the eastern side, that is, the Borda region. The settlement grew with the church at its core and extended outwards
PLACE TO VISIT
HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH - a wonderful illustration of Goan Baroque architecture. The church was initially constructed by the Jesuits in 1564, however very soon, the army of Adil Shah marched in and destroyed it. Repairs were carried out much later and took around 30 years to complete. Today, the church is considered one of the best example of the Indian Baroque. Both the interior and exterior of the church is worth seeing.
House of Seven Gables - Near the square is the Portuguese mansion, House of Seven Gables and another important landmark, This ancestral home of Eurico da Silva has drawn tourist attraction over the years. However, do not look out for seven gables because there are only three remaining now.
Monte Hill - offering a stunning view of the Salcette area.This is a good place to have a beautiful good look at the Salcett taluka. There is also a chappel Monte Chappel.
Lutolim - 10 km northeast of Margao, is a splendid area which represents the village life of Goa as it was in the bygone era. There are huge lifesize figures, stone sculpture and large foot print that serve as a dance floors. The most famous of these is the 18th century Miranda House.
Chandor - a beautiful and peaceful village 13 km east of Margao, is another village known for its colonial villas. The main attraction of this village is the Menezes Braganza house. The mansion was constructed by the affluent Braganza family in the 16th century.
HOW TO REACH
Margao is well connected with other cities of Goa by Bus and Train
Margao Railway Station Connected to Mumbai / Mangalore thru Konkan Railway and
South East India thru South Western Railway( Thru Londa/Hubli)
30Kms from Dabolim Airport.
