History: Fontainhas is the oldest cluster of Latin quarters in Goa. The street is not randomly named as Fontainhas but it is derived from ‘Fonte Phoenix’ or the ‘Fountain of Phoenix’. It was basically a water reservoir, created by the Portuguese. The Fountain of Phoenix is still there in the Mala area. It was in the early nineteenth century, the headquarters were shifted from Velha Goa (old Goa) to Panaji due to plague outbreak. At the same time, the area around ‘Fonte Phoenix’ was developed as the residential area for the Portuguese people which later became famous as Fontainhas. With the passage of time, the population density in Fontainhas increased enough. The rich people, therefore, shifted in bigger bungalows with huge balconies. Lower middle class people lived in the foot of the hills in the same area. Fontainhas is the only area in Goa where Portuguese is the main spoken language. This clearly shows that the influence of the Portuguese culture is still prevalent here.
Attraction: The architecture of the buildings or houses in this lane has definitive Portuguese influence. It gives a vibe of walking in the French colony with colourful houses from both the sides. It feels as if the visitor is transported to another world while they are here. Fontainhas has the Ourem Creek on its east and Altinho Hills on its west. Each building and house in the Fontainhas is different from one another in a unique way. The houses are either brightly painted or covered with ceramic tiles giving a quaint appearance to them. There are some buildings or cafes in the area that have some intricate design patterns on their walls.
Fontainhas Festival: Every year Fontainhas Festival is celebrated in February in Goa. The activities and concept of the Fontainhas Festival is managed and carried out by the Goa Heritage Action Group, an NGO. Celebrated to raise the awareness about the Goan heritage in the whole world, this festival is unique in the way that all the houses of Fontainhas are converted into art galleries. It is aimed at attracting a lot more tourists and art connoisseurs to appreciate the centuries old Portuguese colonial heritage of Goa. It also helps create proclivity among younger generation to be attached to their culture and know the entire history in detail. It’s a great initiative to preserve their culture and tradition. The singers, dancers and musicians gather here from all across the globe to participate in Fontainhas Festival. Naturally, it happens to be fun here for a visitor. It also serves as a subtle platform for the artists to showcase their artistic acumen and finesse. Fontainhas Festival not only serves as a platform of interface amongst the artists, the heritage home-owners and the general public but also provides a complete stranger an opportunity to enter and walk through private homes. Organized in the month of February, Fontainhas Festival for Arts and Heritage lasts for eight days.
Things to Do at Fontainhas -
» Have a leisurely heritage walk through the Fontainhas to soak in strange but pleasant vibe.
» Watch the colourfully painted and tastefully-tiled houses and appreciate their artistic look.
» Find spots for perfect backdrop for capturing memorable pictures and videos.
» Taste the authentic Portuguese cuisines with local Goan tastes amalgamated in the cafes and restraints located in the colony.
» A bike tour through the Fontainhas offers an amazing experience.
» Stay in a hotel nearby Fontainhas makes it easier to visit several ancient temples and old churches in the vicinity.
» Adventure lovers can enjoy climbing a small trek at the Altinho Hills.
» A tourist interested in delightful arts and collections of the past can visit Gitanjali Gallery. It showcases Scandinavian lithographs, litho prints and etchings belonging to the 1950’s and 1960’s.
» There are several shops selling unique and beautiful craft items for home decoration purposes. Buy the hand-crafted souvenirs to take home to keep alive your memories pertaining to Foa, especially Fontainhas