Variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

» Temples

The temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different mostly because of historical reasons.

Goa - a state that was the epicentre of Portuguese occupation in the Asian region. Portuguese culture is today so imbibed in the lives of Goans that it's difficult to imagine Goa without its Portuguese connection. The result of four and half centuries of rule is today what Goa is, a unique, rich blend of western and eastern culture. This unique blend apparent every where, from art and architecture to food and music, is the trademark of Goa.

The museum was set up by Archaeological Survey of India in 1964 in the convent of St. Francis of Assisi church. The convent had been closed since 1864 by the Portuguese government. Nine kilometres from Panaji, within the compound of St Francis of Assisi church, this museum will transport you to the Golden age of Goa when it was still under Portuguese domination. The museum has a rich and rare collection of artifacts, maps and portraits etc. Some prominent displays of the museum are middle and upper Paleolithic stone tools, Microliths and a few Neolithic Celts, a six meter high statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque, excavated materials from Chandnor, copper coins and copper nails, rings from third century B.C etc.