Raj bhavan in Dona Paula, Panaji Goa is famous as the official Residence of the Governor of Goa, but what most people don’t know is that it is actually a fortress saying back to the 16th-17th century, with it’s construction being started in 1534.

‘Cabo De Palacio ‘ as it was originally known is one of the finest and the oldest of any of Governor houses of India. Built between the 16th and the 17th century, It is one of the best built fortress in Goa.

Palacio De Cabo was built in such a way that it faced the main Port of Mormugao and and also the Fort of Auguada which were of great importance to the Portuguese. The Portuguese were master planners I must say..

Even after 400 plus years, this fortress still stands strong even today and gives a magnificent view of the meeting of three major water bodies of Goa -River Mandovi, Zuari and the Arabian sea.

It also has a small chapel dedicated to Our lady of the Cape
‘Nossa Senhora do Cabo’ ,of which the feast is celebrated every year on 15th August and that’s when the gates of Raj bhavan are opened to the general public.

I was lucky enough to get in without trying to..(some official work you see). But really, having something this fine still so strong and so old yet beautiful makes me so proud.