Information on Braganza Pereira Mansion (Goa) - History & Architecture

The Menezes Braganza Pereira is a house that is located in the Chandor village of Goa. It has a history of more than 350 years old and it is one of the oldest structures located in Goa. The rear end of the house has the church square in Chandor. It is one of the most exquisite house in Goa in terms of its historical heritage.

Braganza Pereira Mansion Architecture

The mansion which is one of the biggest countryside house in Goa is built on the basis of the Portuguese architectural style. The house altogether has 24 windows which further makes it one of the longest mansion in Goa. The outer facade of the mansion gives entry to both the wings of the mansion. The house also has a museum that has paintings and other artifacts relevant to the Pereira family. The museum also has chandeliers, porcelain and historical furniture among others. The museum is also field with many other antique items related to the Braganza Pereira family. The mansion is mostly made of laterite which further makes structure quite unique. The outside area of the mansion has garden with mosaic seat along with a fountain that is still functional in the present day context. Notably, the interior of the mansion has a nail belonged to St. Francis Xavier which was once used by the Braganza Pereira House. Inside the ballroom of the mansion, there are chairs gifted to the family by the Portuguese rulers in the 17th century. The interior including the rooms of the house are quite spacious that further depicts touch of the Portuguese architecture. All the windows of the mansion are shell-lined which obstructs the natural light to enter the house during the day time. The utensils used by the family for their dining are mainly made of silver and are still preserved and displayed within the museum located inside the house.

Braganza Pereira Mansion History

The house was built more than 350 years under the guidance of A.F.S. Braganza Pereira. Accordingly to the recorded history of the Pereira family, the house was built in the 17th century when goa was under the administrative rule of the vice consul Portuguese government. During the Spanish invasion in the place, the house later restructure and redesigned. It is also believed that the land in which the house was built was gifted to the Pereira family by the Portuguese king Don Luiz in the late 16th century. In the subsequent generation, the Menezes Braganza Pereira house was separated in two halves for the two sisters in the family. The west wing of the house was given to Menezes Branganza while the East wing was kept for Braganza Pereira who were respective husbands of the Pereira sisters.

Braganza Pereira Mansion Tourism Importance

The place has many aspects including its rich history and architecture that can attract the attention of the tourist. People can visit the house any day in between the time 9 am to 5 pm. Again since there is no entry fee of getting into the house, it is expected that tourists will be more attracted towards visiting this royal mansion. However, at their wish the tourists who visit the house can leave a little amount on the box kept inside which will further be utilized to maintain the house. Again since the flow of tourists in Goa is high throughout the year, it is expected that this place will have a considerable number of people visiting.