Explore Latin Colony In Goa by Walk

Explore Latin Colony In Goa by Walk

Fontainhas is not only one of the oldest but the most picturesque area in Goa. The only area still preserved as part of the Latin colony.  The people of this area have managed to still keep its quaint familiar charm.

The beautiful decorated  ‘Azulejos’, the narrow alleys of this neighborhood gives way to striking views of the cityscape. Our tour begins in Fontainhas and will pass through some key areas before heading to a local tavern for shot of Feni, a local drink.

Your local host will be waiting for you at the Subway eating joint near the ferry wharf in Panjim at 0900 hrs. Start the tour with a small brief introduction about Goa and the role of Fontainhas. Visit the head post office of Goa, which served as the trading house for Tobacco during the Portuguese era. 

The City of Panjim was once a village dominated by the Fishing community, the star attraction of the city is the Secretariat building, formely known as Idalcao Palace built by the Shah dynasty, the palace also served the Portuguese Viceroy as his accommodation. You will also notice the essence of both the Portuguese and India such as the whitewashed religious buildings, book store and trendy stores.

The oldest part of the Fontainhas lies between the Ourem creek and Altinho, the narrow streets and the colorful houses with terracotta or Albuquerque tiles. The colony got its name from the fresh water spring, the spring was named Pheonix and from there on the community heading the colony decided to name the colony as Fontainhas.

The space overlooking the Panjim post office used to serve as the death pillar where criminals and conspirators were used to be hanged to death during the Portuguese rule.

Later, we walk past the galleria velha Goa, a store which sells traditional hand painted creamics, etc and settle down at the Verandah. The verandah is a small restaurant in the old quarters of Panjim Inn, we can order a cup of tea or simply try a shot of Goan Feni and talk some more about the sites where you can visit during your stay.

Later, we bid farewell and return with some amazing memories.