MENEZES BRAGANZA

Braganza Pereira House from the outside

Goa by the Portuguese in the early 16th Century and continued almost till the time they left in 1961. Over the years many of these have disappeared while only a few have endured the test of times and live on to tell their tale to the world. One such house is the Braganza Pereira House located in the Chandor area of South Goa.

Braganza Pereira House from the Inside

Mrs Braganza’s house is one such place and they opened it to the public many decades ago when they realised that they needed much more money for the upkeep of the house than they actually had. Visitors were encouraged to visit the house and leave a donation to help maintain the house. Often it was not Indians who visited these old houses, but foreigners and many of the them made donations, small and large, and this allowed her to keep a part of the house the way it was in the Portuguese era. However, this is changing now and often many Indians who want to do something more 'Goan' make a visit here and help in the upkeep of the house.

Walls with lovely old pictures

The most stunning room in the entire house - the Ballroom. The gorgeous and huge Belgian chandeliers can still be lit up with electricity, but back then it was candles and the maids in the house took hours to get them ready before an evening party.

The Ballroom with chandeliers at the Braganza House

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