Being the commercial and cultural capital of Goa, Margao, also known as Madgaon, is the largest city of Goa by population. Margao is the centre of administration for the Salcete as well as the district of South Goa. Since the construction of the Madgao Railway Station, Margao has become a focal point for travellers as everyone who wishes to arrive in Goa by train has to enter through Margao.
The origin of Madgaon’s name has various stories. Some say that it is derived from Sanskrit word Mathagram which would mean village towards the east and some say that Mathagram was the name due to the Vaishnavite Matha (cloister) located in the area. But a clear picture to the former name of Matha Gram was due to the Nine Mathas in the town. Raiders, however, destroyed these Mathas along with the Damodar Temple where the Holy Spirit Church now stands. The whole of Margao is a repository for the stories and history of Goa.
With structures like the Braganza House, Fernandes House and Sat Burzam House that are nearly as old as the town itself, there is history in every old nook and corner of Margao. The Goa Chitra Museum will introduce you to the authentic traditions and culture of Goa. The Rachol Fort will transport you back in time to the battles between Vijayanagara and Bijapur Sultans. The Municipal Gardens are the pitstop for every traveller’s Imagination before continuing the journey into the festivities of the Sao Joao feast of St. John the Baptist Church.
With all such heritage to keep its travellers indulged, Margao has earned its place as the Cultural capital of Goa. The shopping scene in Margao offers everything from local street markets to signature shopping malls. There are many restaurants and cafe’s that satisfy your hunger pangs, such as the Cinnamon, Pepper’s, Martin’s, Mircho-Go that serve multiple cuisines. The nightlife in Margao, however, is dull compared to North Goa as there are no pubs or bars that stay open until late in the night.
Church of the Holy Spirit
Margao’s whitewashed main church was first built in 1565, on the site of an important Hindu temple. Before demolition started on the temple, local Hindus managed to rescue the statue of the god Damodara, to whom the building was dedicated. It was secretly moved to a new site in the village of Zambaulim, around 30km southeast, where there is still a large temple today.
However, the new church didn’t last long and was burned to the ground by Muslim raiders the same year it was built. It was soon replaced and a seminary was established, but both were subsequently destroyed, again by Muslim forces, after which the seminary was moved to Rachol, to the northeast.
The present church, built in 1675, remains in use as a parish church and is finely decorated inside. The impressive reredos (ornamental screen) is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, rising from ground level to the high ceiling, made more distinguished by the gilded and carved archway that stands in front of it. The church doors are usually unlocked throughout the day, and access is via the side entrance on the northern side.
Municipal Library
On the west side of the canary-yellow Secretariat Building, you’ll find respite from the sun in the prim Municipal Library, which houses some good books about Goa. Don’t miss the library’s newspaper reading room, in which you’re required to collect your newspaper at the counter and then sit in the seat designated only for readers of that particular paper – it’s popular enough that it’s often full.
Secretariat Building
At the southern end of the Municipal Gardens, this grand building houses the Municipal Library.
Sat Burnzam Ghor
The most famous of the traditional old Portuguese mansions in Largo de Igrejais is the grand 1790 Sat Burnzam Ghor. Originally, as its name suggests, there were seven of the distinctive high-peaked gables, of which only three remain, though it remains an impressive edifice. It’s currently not open to the public. Built by Sebastiao da Silva, private secretary to the viceroy, it sports an especially beautiful private chapel, dedicated to St Anna, and noteworthy for being the first private chapel in which a Goan family was permitted to privately perform Mass.
Mount Church
Located about 500m southeast of Sat Burnzam Ghor and a fair climb up Monte Hill, Margao’s only hill, Mount Church is a simple whitewashed building, faced by a similarly diminutive cross. A detour up here is worth it for the view, all the way out to Colva.

Largo de Igreja
Largo de Igreja, the area around the Church of the Holy Spirit, features a number of traditional old Portuguese mansions, in various states of decay or repair. The most famous is the grand 1790 Sat Burnzam Ghor.
GOMANT VIDYA NIKETAN
This is yet another living legacy near the town center on Faria Road. In the year 1910, when Portugal became a republic, it marked the end of religious discrimination in Goa. The residents of Margao used the newfound liberty to establish Gomant Vidya Niketan. It started off as a humble library known as Saraswat Brahman Samaj 1912 and then diversified. The library continues on the ground floor with an amphitheater upstairs. It grew to its peak as an epicenter of all cultural activities (primarily Konkani and Marathi language) for later half of the 20th century, hosting various talks, exhibitions and classical music concerts. Though Ravindra Bhavan, given its size and modern amenities, is now the new address for most of the large scale events in Margao, Gomant Vidya Niketan continues to enthrall its audience with regular performances and events of national significance. Housed in a multi-storeyed this site, right at the northern end of Market bus terminal, it now also hosts private events such as weddings and receptions.
MARUTI MANDIR
Maruti is another name for Lord Hanuman, the legendary God from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Also known as Mahavira or the mighty warrior, this Vayuputra (the son of God of Wind) is believed to the symbol of strength and energy. Lord Maruti was blessed that his followers will be safe from the wrath of Mangal and Shani, the personification of planetary powers of Mars and Saturn. Hence, Tuesdays and Saturdays are observed as special days for the worship of this deity. Millions follow him as the ‘one who removes fears’.Built in the last century, this Maruti Mandir stands out in Margao’s backyard. From the Market bus terminal, walk 10-15 minutes southwest towards Pedwada and watch a saffron flag emerge in the sky atop the colorful temple’s spire. Cross the railway track on Margao-Benaulim Road and turn left to enter the two-storey elevated premises. Observe how the temple’s arches and pillars are painted in signature Goan style with its colors in contrast to those of the walls. The elevated entrance, bright orange structural pillars, and the long ventilated hall is unique. The main carved wooden door, the ceiling and the pillars inside are decorated artfully.