The main population center of southern Goa is Margao, the capital of Salcete Province. The town still has reminders of the Portuguese past. It is a peaceful and pleasant place. The old Margao church is worth a visit and the covered market is the best of its kind in the whole of Goa. Its importance is as a service and transport centre for people staying at Colva Beach. If you're planning on staying at Colva you must first head for Margao, which is connected to the rest of Goa and to the neighboring states by bus, train and taxi.

There are some interesting places to see in Margo-- like the small village of Raia, about 3 km away, which is on the road from Margao to the Borim Bridge, is the Rachol Seminary and Church. The Church of the Holy Spirit is in the heart of a disheveled but picturesque colonial enclave. Presiding over the dusty Largo de Igreja square, the church built by the Portuguese in 1675, is one of the finest examples of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting a pristine white facade and an interior dripping with gilt, crystal and stucco. The picturesque farming villages strewed across the verdant countryside around Margo host a scattering of evocative colonial monuments and a handful of Hindu temples that can be visited on day trips from the coast.

Mrgao has an old-worldly charm about it because of its Portuguese churches, and some magnificent specimens of old Portuguese houses complete with shady balcaos (porches) and oyster-shell windows in its Borda area.

The Largo de Igreja, or the Church of the Holy Spirit as it is also known, dominates the entrance to the city, just north of the Municipal Garden square. The church area is surrounded by beautiful old residential houses still in pristine condition. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1675 and is one of the finest examples of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting a pristine white façade and an interior dripping with gilt crystal and stucco.

Just within walking distance of the Church, is the famous "House of Seven Gables" or "Sat Burzam Ghor". This magnificent mansion was commissioned in 1790 by Sebastino da Silva, emissary and private secretary of the Portuguese Viceroy. Although only three of the seven gables remain today, they are enough to give the visitor an idea of the size of the original edifice.

There are several resturants, bazars, bus stands and railway stations in Margoa. The picturesque Colva beach is 5 km away from Margao.

Prime Attractions:

Colva Beach
Margao is famous for its Colva beach, which flourishes, in all its natural beauty. People love to be absorbed in its charm and completely feel relaxed and rejuvenated after spending time there. Colva beach is one of those beaches in this small Indian state of Goa that is developing at a very rapid pace with the advent of many hotels and resorts in the nearby areas. There are a number of shacks lined up along the Colva beach that offer you delicious Goan cuisine along with innovative cocktails.

Sat Burzam Ghor
Another famous attraction in Margao is the "Sat Burzam Ghor" which means "House of Seven Roofs". It was a magnificent mansion built at the time of the Portugal rule. Though most of the roofs are destroyed now, it still looks splendid and gives an idea of how massive it must have been.

Monte church
Another must see in Margao is the small chapel called Monte church located on top of Monte hill. The church is locked most of year but one should go there to get a bird's eye view of the entire city, which is grand and splendid.

The Stately Church Of The Holy Spirit
The Stately Church Of The Holy Spirit is located in the heart of a disheveled but picturesque colonial enclave. This Church was built by the Portuguese in 1675 and is one of the finest examples of late-Baroque architecture in Goa, boasting an immaculate white facade and an interior dripping with gilt crystal and stucco.

Shopping:
One of the best places for shopping while in Goa, Margao has a bit of everything to offer to her guests. So if you are looking to pick up some antiques at a bargain, then this is just the place you would wish to be.

While shopping, you could also visit Margao’s famous fish market for a taste, and more importantly a smell of the famous Goanese fish markets!

How to Reach Margao:

By Rail
The Margao Railway Station is a major railway terminal in south Goa and is only 2 km from the city center.

By Air
The Dabolim Airport in Panaji is the nearest airport to Margao.

By Road
Margao is well connected to other towns and cities of Goa.