5 things to see in Margao for free

Just landed in this small state of sun, sea and sand? Why not head for Margao, the bustling city in South Goa, which has several tourist attractions that will create memorable moments for you.

1. Holy Spirit Church

The Holy Spirit Church is also called Igreja do Espírito Santo or Espirito Santo Igreja em Margao, Goa. The first Holy Spirit Church, in Margao, was founded by the Jesuits in 1564. It was later destroyed in a fire in 1571. The present church is the fifth one, and was built in 1675. It is the largest and most beautiful church in Salcete, according to Oriente Conquistado.

2. Carmelite Monastery

Looking for a quiet spot to reflect, meditate and pray? The Carmelite order was in Goa for over 400 years, while the Carmelite Monastery (the Karnataka-Goa province of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites), was built in 1943, and is popular among the people of South Goa for its English mass on Sundays. Right from the time of its foundation, the friars of this monastery served the faithful through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Carmelite Monastery is known for this apostolate.

The friars, here, are also involved in other spiritual apostolates such as retreats, recollections, spiritual direction and counselling, administering the sacrament of anointing to the sick, etc.

3. Margao market

Would you love to shop at the street vendor or the little corner stall? Or, maybe you are looking for a good bargain? There are numerous vendors in the Margao market, selling a wide range of items, from garments to footwear, bags, personal accessories, sweets, cakes, homemade pickles, cutlery, kitchenware and loads more. Fruit and vegetable vendors as well as everyday provisions are available at very reasonable rates.

Every possible item required by the Goan household can be found in this market, the best part being that all the vendors are lined up next to each other, and under one common roof.

4. Margao Municipal Garden

A landmark in the heart of the city, the Margao Municipal Garden is flanked by the Old Collectorate, Kamat Hotel, Margao Municipal Corporation, a series of petrol pumps and the Margao Post Office. Also known as Praça Jorge Barreto, it is common to see people relaxing in this garden or indulging in family photographs and selfies among the beautiful plants and trees.

The northern segment of the garden is named after Aga Khan IV, who visited Goa just before its liberation. The entire garden is now municipal property and is maintained by the Margao Municipal Council.

5. Department of Agriculture

A hop, skip and jump away from the Margao railway station you’ll find the Department of Agriculture, Margao branch. Here, you can pick up a variety of saplings and potted plants at down-to-earth prices. If you don’t want to get ripped off by roadside plant nurseries or are clueless about the rates of plants, then this is the perfect place to add to your itinerary.