A Heritage Walk through Fontainhas in Panjim, Goa

The Blue house with the balcoas
The yellows had the rooster
The reds came with the shell windows 
While the greens displayed the Azulejos. 

Such was the beauty that I caught on an epic heritage walk in Fontainhas Goa

Goa has always enthralled us with its gorgeous beaches – so much that not many of us realize or even explore what is beyond these beaches. We forget that it has a fabulous history. Thanks to my numerous visits to this state, I have had tons of opportunities to delve into the by-gone heritage and history of Goa. I do not just mean Old Goa but a beautiful living and breathing heritage.  I highly recommend that you trace these roots and walk through the living history of Goa with a heritage walk through Fontainhas Goa in Panjim. This is where you can experience its actual culture – a blend of Indian and Portuguese – the one that makes Goa the colorful place it is.

Fontainhas Goa - the living heritage site in Panjim
Fontainhas Goa – the living heritage site in Panjim

Fontainhas Goa or the Latin Quarters Goa is right in the center of its capital city- Panjim. The first time I did this Goa heritage walk in Fontainhas, I was stunned by its colors and story. The 2nd time on the Panjim heritage walk had me dig deeper into its manner of construction and the third time in Fontainhas Goa, I found more of its hidden treasures. If I get a chance, I will definitely sign up for this heritage walk Panjim and walk the lanes of Fontainhas Goa again – with the same zeal as the first time. I fear there are plenty of treasures still hidden in plain sight!

I am pretty sure that by the end of my post, you would have added this heritage walk Goa to your list of Panjim attractions for your next Goa trip. So without much ado, let’s plunge in with a brief history of Goa.

History of Goa

Goa has a long history that goes back to the mythological tales of Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar. It is said that it was born out of Parshurama‘s arrow. Over the years, Goa has seen several rulers – the Mauryans, the Chalukyas and then the Muslim rule of Adil Shah. It was during this Muslim rule that the Portuguese first discovered Goa through its famed explorer – Vasco Da Gama. Having seen it once, it was quickly captured by them and Goa became their key Portuguese colony for all trade in Asia. For over 450 years, the Portuguese ruled over Goa and after a long struggle, it was surrendered to Independent India on December 19, 1961.

It is the remnants of these 450 years of Portuguese rule that you find in the Fontainhas part of Panjim. These are the parts of Goa where the history and culture of Portuguese Goa still live on.

Fontainhas – Heritage Colony of Goa

Fontainhas, as you may have guessed, has some connection to Fountain. In Portuguese, it actually means that. The name basically comes from the natural spring in this area called the “Fonte Phoenix” or “Fountain of Phoenix“. The spring was found at the bottom of Altinho Hill, near the Mala area of Goa. The Mala settlement was a prominent Hindu settlement and is marked by the Maruti temple dedicated to the monkey God – Hanuman.

Fontainhas Goa history has it that the area was reclaimed by a wealthy Portuguese called “Mossmikar” in the 1770s. The gentleman’s real name was Antonio Joao de Sequeira. Since he had returned with good fortune from Mozambique (East Africa), he soon earned his new nickname. The area he owned became his coconut plantations. The estate and its surroundings were occupied by plantation workers, sailors and fishermen. The aristocratic Portuguese officers resided in Old Goa at that time.

The colorful Goan-Portuguese homes of Fontainhas Goa
The colorful Goan-Portuguese homes of Fontainhas Goa

In the later years, when Old Goa faced several epidemics, the Portuguese shifted their capital to Panjim. By then, following the last wishes of Mossmikar, the ownership of these plantation grounds had moved to Convent of Our Lady of Carmo at Chimbel. The Portuguese took over the land and set it up as the residential area for various administrative Portuguese officers. The area thrived from the 1840s and continues to do so today. In fact, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Colorful heritage homes of Fontainhas in Goa
Colorful heritage homes of Fontainhas in Goa

What is interesting is that you can still see Portuguese influence here. From the vibrant heritage homes of Goa to the Fountain of Phoenix, it is all still around. I started my Fontainhas heritage walk at the Ourem Creek end, specifically at the famed Fontainhas Goa bakery and walked up to the Altinho hill. This pretty much covers the spread of this living heritage of Goa.

What to see on this Fontainhas Heritage walk Goa?

As I mentioned, this heritage walk in Panjim is all about discovering the Portuguese influence. Latin Quarters Goa is a bustling area in Panjim with tons of shops, cafes and residential homes. All of these are housed in the original buildings built by the Portuguese. As you embark on this heritage walk Goa, keep an eye out for these unusual and traditional aspects of the buildings.

Colorful Houses of Fontainhas Goa

One of the Old Heritage homes in Fontainhas Goa
One of the Old Heritage homes in Fontainhas Goa

There is no way that you will not fall in love with the cute, vibrant houses of Fontainhas. I kept remembering this game that I used to play as a kid  – “Color, color, which color do you want” and once the person specified the color, we were to run and catch it before he caught us. To me, the Fontainhas area was the ideal area to play this. There was no way anyone would be ever caught. Name a color, and you will find it here.

One of the colorful Goan heritage home in Fontainhas
One of the colorful Goan heritage home in Fontainhas

These Goan heritage houses in Fontainhas are made of egg-shells and chunna or limestone. Most of these homes are still occupied. People either live in them or have converted them into guest homes or shops. It is said that some of these families can still trace their heritage and roots to the Portuguese who had settled here.

You are most likely to come across some popular heritage houses in Fontainhas during your Goa heritage walk. These would include –

Panjim Inn

Panjim Inn and Geetanjali Gallery in Fontainhas
Panjim Inn and Geetanjali Gallery in Fontainhas

This is a good option for your stay in Panjim, especially if you want to stay in Fontainhas. The heritage building is a landmark corner of the Latin Quarters of Goa. It is now a part of the Welcomgroup of hotels. It was originally built in 1880 by Francis Assis de Silviera. The great-grandchildren of the original owner continue to run and manage the property till date. They even run an art gallery right across the hotel – which incidentally is the other famous heritage landmarks of Fontainhas.

Gitanjali Gallery

Right across the Panjim Inn, the red-colored building hosts an art gallery called Gallery Gitanjali. The gallery is a hot spot for award-winning artists. It is worthwhile to step in and have a look at the pretty displays of Fontainhas history and abstract art.

Velha Goa Galeria

The gallery might be new but the building is quite old. However, what makes it even better is that this is a good place to buy those Goan-Portuguese tiles that you will see during your heritage walk Goa. For now, we will leave the tiles here and proceed with the rest of our tour of Fontainhas Panjim.

My "Tri-Colored" Chowk in Fontainhas, Panjim
My “Tri-Colored” Chowk in Fontainhas, Panjim

The one thing that is bound to strike you is that all the homes seem to be painted fresh. The reason for that is a rule that was laid down by the Portuguese –  every home must be painted fresh every year. This tradition did not die and still lives in Goa. Here is a unique area where I found three different colored homes next to each other. I have nicknamed it the Tri-Colored Chowk or the Tri-Colored junction. What do you think of this name? 😉

Balcoas and Tulsi Aangans in Latin Quarters Goa

The cross indicates a Christian home in Fontainhas
The cross indicates a Christian home in Fontainhas

Fontainhas in Goa is not just about Christian homes. You are likely to find a fair number of Hindu homes too. Our guide on the walking tour of Fontainhas told us is that you could easily identify a Christian home from a Hindu one. The former has a cross on it while the latter had a Tulsi plant growing in its compounds.

Balcoa in a Fontainhas home
Balcoa in a Fontainhas home

Another interesting feature is the presence of Balcoas or red stone balconies in a Christian home. Should you go for this Panjim heritage walk in the evening, you will find plenty of residents sitting around in this area and exchanging notes. In fact, the scene continues from its Portuguese days when this area was a hot spot for gossip.

Also, notice the mosaic bench. As I understand, many of the old Fontainhas Goa homes have mosaic flooring within and this is a Chinese influence that came by in the Portuguese days.

A Tulsi Aangan in a Hindu home in Fontainhas
A Tulsi Aangan in a Hindu home in Fontainhas

In a Hindu home, these were replaced by Raj Aangans where the Tulsi was kept or courtyards with fewer windows (called Chowki), All these features are still there for you to see on your Fontainhas Goa walking tour.

Plinths, Corbels and Railings in Fontainhas, Panjim

Sloping roofs and eaves are common among the heritage homes of Fontainhas
Sloping roofs and eaves are common among the heritage homes of Fontainhas

All the houses of Fontainhas have a typical sloping roof, making the entire structure akin to the stick houses that we drew as kids. These were built to ease the flow of the monsoon rains that Goa faces for at least 3 months of the year. What made some of these roofs stick out was the presence of corbels and plinths with eaves.

This aspect of the roofs became clearer to me upon my 2nd visit, especially after I had been to the Houses of Goa Museum. The museum specifically pointed out these characteristics of typical Portuguese home and even had photographs of some interesting ones around Goa. Spotting them for real during the walking tour of Goa was like finding a treasure on a trail.

The columns and verandahs of a Goan home
The columns and verandahs of a Goan home
Railings and columns in a Goan house
Railings and columns in a Goan house

The same museum explained the presence of railings and columns in a Portuguese home. These were common around the Balcoas and upper Balconies. The railings of a Fontainhas home has a very artistic appeal with its floral designs. The original ones were largely made of wood but a lot of them have now been replaced with metal.

The columns are responsible for that typical aristocratic European feel to these homes. I found one of these columned gems in my Tri-colored Chowk of Fontainhas. 😉

Spot the doors & shell windows on this heritage walk Goa

Simple but pretty door of a Goan home
Simple but pretty door of a Goan home

The doors of the Goan heritage homes may not be as exquisite as the Havelis of Rajasthan or the mansions of Chettinad. They, however, are pretty in a simple, contemporary manner.

Windows under eaves
Windows under eaves
Shell windows of a Portuguese Home in Fontainhas, Goa
Shell windows of a Portuguese Home in Fontainhas, Goa

More than the doors, I fell in love with the classic Shell windows of the Fontainhas Goa homes. These windows are made from flat oyster shells found along the riverbank of Goa. The shells are shaped and were all pasted together in narrow strips to form a translucent pane. The key reason for this decor is a little more practical than just aesthetics. The shells cool the interiors of the home and provide some respite from the warm Goan air. At the same time, they allow enough sunlight within the rooms, making them a better alternative than glass. These oyster shell windows of Goa can not just be seen in the homes of Fontainhas Goa. They are even present in the churches of old Goa.

Azulejos of the heritage homes – a key feature to see on the Fontainhas heritage walk

The front entrance of a Fontainhas home with a blue-tiled name plate
The front entrance of a Fontainhas home with a blue-tiled name plate
An Azulejo nameplate
An Azulejo nameplate

It is hard not to miss the blue-tiled nameplates by the pretty doors of Goan homes. These are some heritage relics left by the Portuguese in Goa. The blue and white tiles are called Azulejos and you first heard me mention those when introducing you to Velha Goa. These tiles are hand-painted and back in those days, came straight from Portugal. Over time, the locals learned the art and one can now buy them in Goa.

Roosters on Roofs and Cops on the Walls

The cute cops- Portuguese symbols found on the Fontainhas homes
The cute cops- Portuguese symbols found on the Fontainhas homes
The infamous Portuguese Rooster at the Well of Fontainhas
The infamous Portuguese Rooster at the Well of Fontainhas

Another vestige from the Portuguese era is figurines on the roofs and walls of the homes. The two that you can spot in Fontainhas Goa include a rooster and a Portuguese man. I like to refer to the man as the cop for it does resemble one.;-)

Winding Streets of the Old Latin Quarters Goa

Winding roads of Fontainhas
Winding roads of Fontainhas

In some parts of the Fontainhas area, I felt like a hamster trying to find its way through the winding passages of a maze. Really! Take a look.

Here and there you can find some old rusted bikes and cars. The most unusual thing was that quite a few streets here have been named after dates – like the 18th June Street, which was named so owing to the revolution that started in Goa on that day. Of course, today this is a major shopping area. Also, the 31st January Road or the Rua – named after the day Portugal got independence from Spain.

Inner lanes of Fontainhas Goa
Inner lanes of Fontainhas Goa

The Wishing Well in Fontainhas Goa – an unmissable attraction of this Panjim heritage walk

The Old Portuguese Well in the Old Latin Quarters of Goa
The Old Portuguese Well in the Old Latin Quarters of Goa

Somewhere along the twists and turns of the winding streets of Fontainhas, we reached this wide corner with a bright red well. It really stood out against the bright green backdrop and evidently told us that it was built by a Portuguese – remember the Portuguese roosters. 🙂

Everyone talks about this being a wishing well. However, somehow, I have never been able to figure out why it is termed so.

Chapel of St. Sebastian – an important landmark in Fontainhas Goa

A prominent church that was built in the 1800s, this one is right next to the Wishing well. As I understand, the church is still functional and the guide told us that it has several prominent artifacts inside that make it unique. One unusual thing was a cross that was kept in Old Goa with the statue of Jesus. As I understood, what makes it even more unusual is that the eyes of Jesus are open, unlike most other statues. The cross was earlier kept in old Goa – specifically the Palace of Inquisition. It is believed that the eyes of Jesus are open to let people know that they are being watched for their answers while being questioned by the inquisitors.

Chapel of St. Sebastian, Fontainhas, Goa
Chapel of St. Sebastian, Fontainhas, Goa

The 3 altarpieces in the church as I understand, are treasures from a church in Diu. In addition to these carved beauties, don’t miss the wooden chests that are said to have come from the same church.

The famous Fountainhas Goa Bakery and Cafes

31st January Bakery in the old Latin Quarters
31st January Bakery in the old Latin Quarters

As I had mentioned earlier, a lot of the homes are fully or partly converted to shops and lodging houses. Some of these shops are Bakeries and Cafes. Our guide took us to one of the oldest ones here – called the 31st January Bakery. A small shop with some really yummy Goan goodies  – the three-layered cake called Bebinca and wedding sweets like the Bol. The place is over 70 years old and besides the goodies, you can see some of their black and white photographs.

Street Art on a Cafe in Fontainhas
Street Art on a Cafe in Fontainhas

Another interesting cafe was this one with some cute Street Art.

The Fountain of Phoenix in Fontainhas

Fountain of Phoenix or Fonte Phoenix in Goa
Fountain of Phoenix or Fonte Phoenix in Goa

Where exactly this fountain is, we did not know but the same was channelized through an underground tunnel into small tanks. We visited one of these. I could see the water gushing in from the outlet. Our guide informed us that there was a small chamber at the far end but nothing really there. The steps to the doors at the far end confirmed the same but there did not seem any way of reaching those unless you waded across. For what purpose these were used, is not clear.

Continuation of the Underground tunnel for the Spring with the Hanuman temple in the background.
Continuation of the Underground tunnel for the Spring with the Hanuman temple in the background.

The underground passage continues along the periphery of the Altinho hill and here and there, you can see the moss-covered done. This one specifically made a nice picture, signing the end of the Fontainhas area and the beginning of the Mala area with the famed Hanuman temple atop. This is actually the endpoint of this Fontainhas Goa walking tour. You can however, choose to continue up the pretty colored stairs going all the way to the top of Altinho hill. I am yet to climb these to get to Altinho and maybe, the next time I will start from here.

Altinho Hill

House of the Arch Bishop at Altinho HIll, Goa
House of the Arch Bishop at Altinho HIll, Goa

A short drive away from the Fontainhas area, this was home to the affluent. Right now, it is home to the Chief Minister of Goa and the Arch Bishop. We stopped by the house of the Archbishop to have a quick look at it from the outside.

A drive around and you know why this area is so sought after. The spectacular views of Goa from here are of course, the topmost reason for it 🙂

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church in Panjim

Technically the heritage tour of Fontainhas ended with the Altinho hill. However, here is a bonus attraction. The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim . What is special about it, well, you can see it for yourself. 🙂

Our Lady of Immaculate Concession Church, Panjim, Goa
Our Lady of Immaculate Concession Church, Panjim, Goa

The church was first built in the 1540s for the Portuguese sailors. It was later rebuilt in the 1600s to accommodate the needs of growing residents. It was in the late 1700s that the zigzag staircases were added to the church. While that might be a striking feature of this church, what makes this Panjim attraction unique is the presence of an ancient bell. This bell is Goa’s second-largest church bell. It was installed in the year 1871 and has been the pride of this place since then.

This heritage walk through Fontainhas in Goa is bound to add a different flavor to this vibrant state. I am sure that by now, you are curious to see all this living heritage for yourself. As a bonus, I am sharing my suggested route plan that will help you do your own Fontainhas Goa walking tour. Check it out.

A self guided Fontainhas Goa walking tour route

Below is a quick infographic on this self guided heritage walk Goa. I would recommend that you start at the famous bakery of the Latin Quarters in Panjim – the 31st January Bakery. From here you can choose to either head out the narrow lanes that lead to St. Sebastian chapel or pick the wider 31st January road. On both these paths, you will see the colorful Fontainhas houses. One way to get the best of both these lanes is to pick the main 31st January road till you reach a first major right turn and from there you can join the smaller lanes of St. Sebastian lane.

My suggested route for this Fontainhas Goa walking tour
My suggested route for this Fontainhas Goa walking tour

When you face this Fontainhas chapel, if you take the left lane (which is most likely how you have come to the chapel), you get the Old wishing well and the rooster. And if you go right, you get my famous Tri-colored Chowk. The right lane eventually lands you in front of the Street art cafe that I have mentioned above. At this wide square, you have two choices. Either you terminate your heritage walk Panjim by taking the road to Gitanjali Gallery or continue further up on the left towards the Fountain of Phoenix.

Fontainhas in Panjim is a fairly small area and it is easy to navigate around. Just keep the main Fontainhas landmarks that I mentioned in this post as your guiding beacons. It is hard to get lost once you have that in place. And of course, hopefully, my route plan will help you walk around a little more confidently.

Before you go – pin this

Heritage walk panaji Fontainhas Goa
Latin quarters walking tour
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A Heritage Walk through Fontainhas in Goa
A Heritage Walk through Fontainhas in Goa 2
A Heritage Walk through Fontainhas in Goa 1

Common FAQs about Fontainhas Goa

Where is Fontainhas in Goa?

Fontainhas, also referred to as Latin Quarters, is the old Portuguese settlement of Goa. It is located in Panjim – the capital city of Goa state. The living UNESCO heritage site in Panaji extends from Ourem Creek to Altinho hill.

How to get to Fontainhas in Goa?

Goa has an airport of its own and has a fairly decent frequency of flights linking to most major cities in India. It also, has several international flights. One can also, reach Goa by road or rail.

Panjim is the center and capital of Goa. You can reach Panjim with any of the local transport available in the state. Fontainhas is quite a well-known area of Panjim. You can do this walk yourself by starting from the 31st January Bakery in Fontainhas.

What is the best time to visit Fontainhas?

Goa is pleasant throughout the year. Any time of the year is the best time to visit it. However, when it comes to the heritage walk through Fontainhas, it is best to go early morning or early evening. This will give you some respite from the morning heat of Goa.

Fontainhas Festival in February is a good time to visit the Latin Quarters in Panjim. This week-long fiesta is like an open art gallery. The houses display their heritage treasures. There is music and dance with artists not just from Goa, but across the world.

Where to stay in Panjim, Goa?

As mentioned earlier, you can pick a heritage hotel in Fontainhas itself. I have already shared Panjim Inn for the same. Panjim has tons of other hotels too. It would be advisable to stay around the 31st January road. There are a lot of shopping areas, cafes and restaurants in this area making it enjoyable and convenient for you.

Check the booking resources below to find an option online. Panjim is home to a lot of hostels too. These would be ideal for backpackers and students.

What is the meaning of Fontainhas?

Fontainhas means fountain in Portuguese. The name has been derived from Fonte Phoenix or the Fountain of Phoenix – a natural spring in Panjim.

How do you explore Fontainhas?

The best way to explore Fontainhas is by booking or embarking on a self-conducted heritage walk in Panjim. You can get a good feel of this area if you plan a Fontainhas stay in one of the hotels, hostels or home stays.

How long is the Fontainhas Goa walking tour?

You can finish a Fontainhas walking tour in Panjim within 2 hours. This would include the route that starts at the 31st January Bakery and ends at the Fountain of Phoenix.

Travel Tips and Photography

  • While you can do a self guided Fontainhas walking tour, you can also, opt for a guided tour with the various tour operators of Goa. Check the booking resources below for booking these tours online.
  • Flat shoes and comfortable cotton clothes are recommended. Goa is quite humid throughout the year.
  • These are still living quarters of various families in Goa. Hence, please be respectful of their privacy.
  • You can take a break at any of the restaurants and cafes in this region. Remember to try some of the Goan delicacies that I had mentioned earlier.
  • It is a good idea to visit the Houses of Goa museum either before or after this walk. It adds a lot of perspective to what you have seen.
  • Carry a wide angle lens or a basic kit lens for your DSLR. Mobile photography too, is a great idea, especially if you want to keep up with the guide.

Booking Resources:

  • Booking.com is a good website to book your Goa hotels. You can use this link to find a Panjim hotel that suits your budget.
  • Klook.com has a guided heritage walking tour of Fontainhas available. You can book the same online using the link provided.
  • GetyourGuide is another website that has similar tours. Here too, you can book your tour online.
  • Consider using this link to get to Amazon for all your home and travel shopping .
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.
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139 thoughts on “A Heritage Walk through Fontainhas in Panjim, Goa”

  1. Wow, I must say that this is the 1st post on Goa which I have read and there isn’t a single image of a beach. Plus every city has its own heritage and you did an fabulous work on narrating it. The houses looks amazing and quite peaceful. If you remove cars with Goa name plate, I wouldn’t even guessed that this is in India.

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  2. So beautifully covered, Ami. I love the colourful houses. Did you manage to visit the Velha Goa Galeria? Lots of great buys there. And what about George’s for some authentic Goan food? 🙂

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  3. Ami, pics are beatiful and you have shown us the other side of Goa. Got tired seeing beaches. How lovely the homes are decorated! Thanks for sharing info on it’s heritage.

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  4. Been to Lady Imaculate..it was close on that day. I too wasn’t aware of the rich background and history but you’ve sprinkled wisdom. Gorgeous pictures. I remember the walk fountain at Panjim and love being ferried on bike doubling as taxi:)

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  5. I love Fontainhas!! It is such a colourful happy place and has so much to explore and understand about old Goa! 😀 Loved the post.

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  6. I think it was in Panjim that I was invited to a sikh temple for a Sikh-Hindu wedding ceremony! The city is so not similar to the relaxed beaches and villages of the rest of GOA

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  7. Fontainhas looks so amazing with those colored houses and winding alleys. Some of the historical buildings are beautiful especially Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is incredible!

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  8. I went to Goa many times ago during my college days when I was in India but never visited Fontainhas! I’d love to visit Fontainhas if ever I will get a chance to visit Goa again!

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  9. So colorful. And quite an interesting history. I never thought Goa was colonized by Portugal. I always thought that it was the Brittish who had whole of India.

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  10. I love towns like this. Towns that still contain the history of its origins. I fell in love with Goa with just reading you experience and seeing your pictures!

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  11. I love how colorful Fontainhas is! Lovely photos and such an interesting history. I love it when destinations blend history and culture like that, it gives you a real feel of the place you’re visiting.

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  12. When I visited Goa, I only made it to the South but have heard a lot of good things about the Centre/North, mainly the history and the culture which is clearly evident from this blog and your photos. I didn’t realise it would be so colourful, love it! So much information is here, thank you!

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  13. What beautiful and rustic homes full of colour and character! You’ve perfectly described the egg shell houses that match the photographs.

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  14. Wonderful photos. When I think of Goa I think of beaches so it is nice to read about other places to explore in Goa as well.

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    • Thanks Christina. Most of us face that…we are so enamored by the beaches that we forget that there are other interesting aspects to Goa. Now you know what you need to visit the next time you are there 😀

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  15. I’m only learning about this side of Goa just now. I thought it was more of a beach destination (which I absolutely love) — but this heritage walk certainly adds another layer of color and culture to the city!

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  16. I love these beautifully colored houses, and the well-paved streets. It still looks and feel the Portuguese-ambiance which admittedly adds to its beauty. Its very interesting to know Goa’s history 🙂

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    • Thanks Blair. I have not been to Portugal but from the pictures that I have seen of it and the stories that I hear, I understand that this part of Goa is just like the original country.

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    • Thanks Cathy. India is a blend of a lot of cultures. It is fun discovering them. Have not been to Azores but have seen and read about it. Those rock formations really fascinate me.

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  17. Wow, a totally different side of Goa. So cool! I do love wandering through neighborhoods, so a guided wander is just my thing. And this place is also really interesting in that the Catholic history and sites make it more relateable, at least to me. Everything in India fascinates me, but this feels familiar and draws me. I don’t know… 🙂

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    • Thanks Rob.I am sure you will relate to a lot of sites in Goa. Thanks to the European influence here. Remember to combine this with the Houses of Goa museum. It will add a lot of perspective to the walk.

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  18. Thank you Ami for bringing out the real essence of Fontainhas. Being a resident of the area (right next to St. Sebastian Chapel) I know that every thing you have written is absolutely true. I am also extremely glad that so many readers are enjoying a different side of Goa – away from the beaches that has always seemed like the identity of Goa. Thank you so much!

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  19. Hey Ami! I just came across your blog post. I am going to visit Goa in a few days and after reading your post, I am really looking forward to visit Fountainhas.
    I just have a small quick question.
    Is taking our own private vehicle over there recommended? Can we park it somewhere and then walk by the streets of Fountainhas?

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    • Parking is limited but available. You can park it around there but best to leave it in a public parking in Panjim and take an auto or walk done Fontanhas.

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  20. It looks like such a beautiful place! I’m always a sucker for locations that are filled with color, and the fountains are really unique. I’d love to snap a few photos by some of the doors, too. Oh, and count me in for a bakery stop. Ha! Goa sounds like a fab place!

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  21. Wow what a wonderful heritage tour truly. I have been to Goa couple of times and explored quite a bit. However Fontainhas had never featured in my plans. The winding streets of Latin Quarters gives a feel of being in Portugal. The bakery and cafe would be a place I will not miss. All reasons enough to go back again.

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    • Few people make that stop in Panjim, Mostly we are obsessed with the beaches. Time now to explore a different side. Hope you get to it soon.

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  22. My knowledge of Goa is pretty limited – I hadn’t realized that there was such a strong heritage with Portugal. It’s refreshing to read an article that is more focused on the heritage and architecture, than the beaches and the party reputation.

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  23. What a wonderful post and beautiful photos on this part Goa. We spent one week in Goa during our 7 week travels throughout the Country a few seasons ago from Canada. Hope return one day very soon. You’ve done a great job on this post and have shared it as well. Thanks & Safe Travels – Robert 🙂

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  24. We are so sorry we missed Goa on our visit to India. We chose to head inland for a few days to visit the Taj Mahal. But I have read so much about Goa that interests me. You are right, people often start by raving about the beaches. While beaches are a great draw, it is always great to explore and learn more about the history. I do love the colourful houses in Fontainhas. Even if I don’t play games to find coloured houses anymore. The architectural elements people use to make their houses unique always interest me. But I must admit I am a sucker for balconies.

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  25. It’s wild to see the photos of Fontainhas and compare them to Lisbon or Porto. The Portuguese influence is uncanny so their colonial history explains a lot about the buildings there. I was in Goa last year and loved the time I spent there, although I didn’t get to explore as much as I would have liked to.

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    • I am yet to get to Lisbon and see the similarity for myself. However, the few posts that I have seen on that city, I can see the resemblance. Hope to visit there once.

      Reply
  26. Wow! Beautiful architecture and colorful buildings – I had no idea that places in Goa were like this. Absolutely great photography and virtual tour through Fontainhas.

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  27. I’ve read a lot about Goa and the more I read it, the more I want to visit. I would probably spend a lot of time on its beautiful beaches if I go, but I would also like to explore the colorful houses and the winding streets of the Old Latin Quarter. By the way, did the red fountain ever had water in it? To me it looks like it was transformed into a flower bed.

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  28. I have never been to Goa, so this article was a great comprehensive introduction for me. I would love to visit the colorful houses of Fontainhas, they look so unique!

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  29. This is such a detailed post on Fontainhas Panjim. I visited this place last year. But didn’t get enough time of exploring the corners of those narrow alleyways. Your post is helpful to understand the history and architectural patterns of those colorful houses. Loved the vibes of the place so much. Loved reading it.

    Reply
  30. Interesting coverage of Goa heritage. Was there last year and visited few old houses, Portuguese. Would definitely like to see more of the ancient & the antique

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  31. Woaaah that is one long lost, I read the 1st half and scrolled through remaining… was in Goa in sep for my birthday and it was such a different trip, the rains the nonstop rains… still managed to explore and visited Fontainhas as well..

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  32. As a resident of fontainhas, request all visitors to park their vehicles across the creek as otherwise it inconveniences the residents of the area. Come enjoy your walk, but do not disturb the serenity and tranquility of the latin quarters. Bem vindo

    Reply
    • I can quite understand that. The roads are quite narrow and in a bid to explore, people do become a nuisance to your living area. I appeal to all my readers to please note this and adhere to the right parking spots so as to not cause inconvenience to its residents.

      Reply
  33. Wow! This post has taken me to the Portuguese era. Reading it, I felt as if I am taking a virtual trip of a tourist city in Portugal. I am impressed to see that despite so many years of the end of the Portugal rule, this place is still charming.

    Reply

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