Discover Chandor: History and Historic Houses

Chandor combines a distinctive political past with the many-layered details of historic houses. Its former name, Chandrapura, recalls earlier times: Chandor was a capital during the Bhoja period and later under Kadamba rule. Those planning a culturally focused stay will find a variety of points of interest here, from the history of the town to its library, ballroom and architecture.

History and Houses in Chandor

The Braganza House is home to a library regarded as Goa’s first private library. Its collection comprises nearly 5,000 leather-bound books assembled by Luis de Menezes Braganza. The Great Salon also makes a distinctive impression: its ballroom has an Italian marble floor, an antique European chandelier and intricately carved rosewood furniture. The library and salon draw attention to different aspects of the house—its book collection as well as the design of its rooms.

Another historic site is the Sara Fernandes House, also known as “Voddlem Ghor”. The mansion dates from before Portuguese rule. Its architectural features include a ballroom, spacious verandas, French glass windows, mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Together with Braganza House, it offers different themes to consider when planning a trip: the library in one house and the described rooms and architectural features in the other invite visitors to look at each of Chandor’s houses from a different perspective.

Experiences and Historical Context

The Houses of Goa Experience centres on exploring Chandor through its houses and meeting members of a distinguished local family from a historic mansion. Check in advance whether the experience is currently available. Two heritage walks are also recorded as a historical event: Ganv Bhavancho Ekvott organised them in 2017, covering the entire village of Chandor.

More Cultural Themes in Salcete

In the wider destination of Salcete, the Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum in Benaulim showcases agrarian Goa through mostly old agricultural tools and equipment. The museum is set against the backdrop of an ecological farm and presents traditions of the past. It aims to help visitors learn about traditional local implements. This complements Chandor’s houses and historical periods with a distinct perspective on agricultural work and traditional everyday objects.

Margao and Rachol also offer further cultural themes in Salcete. The Margao Cultural Walk explores Margao on foot; the Ana Fonte Garden in Margao features footbridges and fountains designed in an Oriental style. In Rachol, the Seminary lies directly beside the banks of the Zuari River. It was built between 1574 and 1610 and is a centre for the study of philosophy and theology. Today, mainly a ruin remains of Rachol Fort: this includes an archway over the road to the Seminary and a dried-up moat around the seminary hill. The fort was built by the Bahmani Sultanate and later fell to the Vijayanagar kings after a protracted, bloody battle.

Whether you want to focus your trip on Chandor’s mansions or include other cultural themes in Salcete, your choice of focus can guide your search for a holiday apartment. This lets you choose your destination based on the experiences and historical themes that matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Colamb, Bandoli, Arossim, Dabolim, Cola, Karmane, Velsao, Colva

Go to the wider travel guide: South Goa.