Goa is known for its beaches, parties, and nightlife, but there is more to this state than meets the eye. If you are looking for a different and unique experience in Goa, you should visit Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panjim, the capital city of Goa.
Fontainhas is a heritage site that preserves the Portuguese legacy and influence in Goa. It is a quaint and colorful neighborhood that transports you to a different era and culture. Here, you can walk around the narrow streets and admire the old houses, visit the historic chapel and museums, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, and taste the authentic and delicious Goan cuisine. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Fontainhas, and help you plan your trip to this charming and beautiful place.
What to See and Do in Fontainhas
Fontainhas is a place where you can see and do a lot of things, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Fontainhas:
1. Walking around the quaint and colorful neighborhood and admiring the Portuguese-style houses, streets, and balconies. Fontainhas is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant and varied hues of yellow, blue, green, and red. The houses are adorned with tiled roofs, wooden windows, and wrought-iron railings, and the streets are named after Portuguese personalities, such as Rua 31 de Janeiro, Rua de Natal, and Rua de Ourém. You can also spot some interesting details, such as the azulejos, the ceramic tiles that depict scenes from the Portuguese and Goan history and culture.
2. Visiting the Chapel of St. Sebastian and learning about its history and significance, especially the crucifix that was used by the Inquisition. The Chapel of St. Sebastian is one of the most prominent landmarks in Fontainhas, and was built in 1818 to commemorate the end of the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa. The chapel has a simple and elegant white facade, and a striking interior that features a wooden altar, a pulpit, and a choir loft. The most notable feature of the chapel is the crucifix that hangs above the altar, which has an unusual expression of Christ with his eyes open. This crucifix was used by the Inquisition to convict and punish the heretics, and is believed to have miraculous powers. The chapel is open to visitors from 9 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm, and there is no entry fee.
3. Exploring the art galleries and museums that showcase the local and contemporary art and culture of Goa, such as the Gitanjali Gallery, the Fundacao Oriente, and the Goa State Museum. Fontainhas is a hub for art and culture lovers, as it hosts several galleries and museums that display the works of various artists and artisans from Goa and beyond.
4. Shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts at the Velha Goa Galeria and other shops that sell hand-painted ceramics, tiles, and fabrics inspired by the Portuguese and Goan heritage. Fontainhas is a great place to buy some unique and beautiful souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect the Portuguese and Goan influence and style. The Velha Goa Galeria is a popular and reputed shop that sells hand-painted ceramics and tiles that depict the scenes and motifs from the Portuguese and Goan history and culture.
5. Eating and drinking at the cafes and restaurants that serve authentic and delicious Goan cuisine, such as Viva Panjim, Cafe Bodega, and Hospedaria Venite. Fontainhas is a paradise for foodies, as it offers a variety of cafes and restaurants that serve the traditional and fusion Goan cuisine, which is a blend of Portuguese and Indian flavors and ingredients.
How to Reach Fontainhas
Fontainhas is located in the heart of Panjim, and is easily accessible from different parts of Goa. You can reach Fontainhas by the following modes of transport:
By Air: The nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport, which is about 26 km away from Panjim.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Karmali Railway Station, which is about 12 km away from Panjim.
By Bus: There are regular buses that connect Panjim to other major cities and towns in Goa, such as Margao, Mapusa, Calangute, and Candolim. You can take a bus to Panjim Bus Stand, and then take a taxi or a rickshaw to Fontainhas.
By Car: You can also drive to Fontainhas by car, if you have your own vehicle or rent one. You can follow the NH 66 or the NH 748 to reach Panjim, and then follow the signs to Fontainhas. There are parking spaces available near the area, but they are limited and chargeable. The parking fee is around Rs. 20 per hour.
Timings and entry fees of Fontainhas
Timings: Fontainhas is open to visitors throughout the day, but the best time to visit is in the morning or evening, when the weather is pleasant and the light is ideal for photography.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit Fontainhas, but some of the attractions and activities in the area may charge a nominal fee, such as the museums, the galleries, and the tours.
Best time to visit Fontainhas
The best time to visit Fontainhas in terms of weather and crowd is from November to February, when the temperature is moderate and the humidity is low. This is also the peak season for tourism in Goa, so you can expect more visitors and higher prices.
Fontainhas is a place that will enchant and delight you with its charm and beauty. It is a place where you can experience the Portuguese and Goan heritage, culture, and cuisine, and discover a different and unique side of Goa. It is a place that you should not miss when you visit Goa, and a place that you will want to visit again and again.
