When the Portuguese conquered Goa from the Adilshah of Bijapur in the 16th century, they brought along their own culture, a blend of Latin and Moorish influences. The presence of Portuguese rule well past India’s Independence and its subsequent political integration has lent Goa a unique cultural identity.

The Portuguese brought European architecture to Goa, including the Renaissance style. They built grand churches and convents. The churches of Goa, especially those in Old Goa, represent an amalgamation of Indo-European elements. European influences can be seen not only in religious architecture but also in military and civil architecture. The progeny of the masons trained to build churches and grand monuments in different European styles, used these styles to build beautiful houses for both Christians and Hindus, their skill passed from one generation to the next.