In the heart of Chandor Village, far from the sun-kissed beaches and bustling markets of Goa, lies a mansion that whispers tales of a bygone era. Braganca House, a 17th-century architectural marvel, stands as a silent witness to the grandeur and opulence of Portuguese aristocracy. Built in the 17th century, this grand mansion stretches along one side of the village square. Known as the most historic, prestigious, and aristocratic heritage house in Goa, Braganca House is also the biggest house in Goa.
A Glimpse Into The History Of The Braganca House
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Braganca House, originally the ancestral home of the late Francisco Xavier de Bragança, maternal grandfather of the illustrious Luis Menezes de Bragança, has a storied past. Luis Menezes de Bragança, born on January 15, 1878, and passing on July 10, 1938, was a prominent Indian journalist, writer, and anti-colonial activist. Named after the reigning Portuguese monarch, King Luis I, in 1878, Luis chose to sacrifice his family’s wealth and fame for the cause of Goa’s freedom from colonial rule. This noble legacy adds a layer of profound historical significance to the mansion.
The Braganca House is divided into two wings: the east wing, occupied by the Pereira-Braganca family, and the west wing, home to the Menezes-Braganca family. Both wings are open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the mansion’s opulent interiors.
Architectural Splendour Of The Mansion
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The Pereira-Braganca family looks after the east wing, which has a small chapel with a fingernail relic belonging to St. Francis Xavier. The extensive collection of artefacts gathered over many centuries that adorn this wing adds to the house’s historical charm.
The large salon and ballroom welcome guests with an Italian marble floor, vintage European chandeliers, and finely carved rosewood furnishings. A gift from King Dom Luis of Portugal, a pair of high-backed chairs with the family crest on them stand out among the other furniture.
Belonging to the Menezes-Braganca family, the west wing is like a living museum. This section features magnificent furniture, Macau porcelain, and an amazing collection of family portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries. Housed in this library, which has almost 5,000 leather-bound books gathered by Luis de Menezes Braganca, is thought to be the first private library in Goa.
Goa, known for its beaches, also holds hidden gems like the Braganca House in Chandor. Add this iconic heritage house to your itinerary when exploring South Goa.
Cover Image Courtesy: Bragança Pereira Mansion/Instagram
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