Last week in Goa, we had the opportunity to visit an ancient "fortress" - a huge house with watch towers, an attached temple, a cow shed, and dozens of huge rooms. It used to belong to government sympathizers in Portuguese Goa over 100 years ago, and is still inhabited, although in dire need of maintenance and repairs (given that only an elderly couple lives there, though, it was pretty amazingly well kept!).
What I found absolutely fascinating was that the house still has an active Muslim shrine right inside it, where the village's faithful still offer prayers. What a beautiful example of social and communal harmony - what an example to set for the world!
Here are some pics. In honor of the request from the house owners, I have refrained from publishing some of the stunning artifacts or the address of this amazing place.
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| Inside the main courtyard of the house |
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| Looking towards the top floor from one of the watch towers |
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| Amazing inlaid windows give a cathedral effect to the living room |
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| The main courtyard of the house, seen from the watch tower |
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| Two steep, narrow and curving flights of stairs take you to the top of the watch tower - very scary climb indeed! |
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| The Swayambu deity in the temple attached to the house |
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| Another majestic ruin bang opposite the main house - notice the gallery along the facade! |
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| The main entrance |
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| View of the right side watch tower and flank |
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