The history of Goa is intrinsically linked to the many centuries of Portuguese presence and rule. Before the arrival of the Portuguese, most Goan houses were mostly made of mud and had a thatched roof. They faced inwards towards a central courtyard and had small windows, mostly devoid of ornaments.
The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510 and brought with them a host of cultural and aesthetic influences from Europe and other places. Goans who travelled abroad also returned with ideas and influences from other countries that they incorporated into their houses.Newly converted Christians embraced (or were encouraged to) a European aesthetic and lifestyle, though many aspects of their Goan cultural roots remained, resulting in a unique cultural mix, which affected everything, including the design of the houses.
Link to House of Goa: http://housesofgoa.com/
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