Goa’s charm draws tourists to its picturesque beaches, lively nightlife and tropical ambience. And, beyond these lies another captivating facet of Goa’s cultural identity — its unique and varied architectural heritage.
One particularly intriguing style that has shaped the urban landscape of Panjim, the State’s capital, is Art Deco. While the term ‘Art Deco’ may evoke images of sleek skyscrapers in cities, in Goa, this architectural style presents a fusion of modernist sensibilities with local influences.
For those wishing to explore this lesser-known side of the State, the Art Deco Walk in Panjim, organised by Goenchi Deco, offers an insightful journey through the city’s Art Deco gems, and will be led by Leaxan Freitas, a passionate advocate for preserving Goa’s architectural history.
LANDMARKS ON THE ART DECO WALK
One of the standout landmarks on the Art Deco Walk is Praça do Comércio. This structure, located at the eastern end of the iconic 18th June Road, is considered Goa’s finest example of Art Deco architecture.
With its long, open colonnade, the building perfectly adapts to the Goan weather — providing shelter from the sun and rain.
Built around 90 years ago, it’s a testament to the period’s design aesthetics, blending geometric shapes and modern forms with influences from ancient Mesopotamian art.
With its long, open colonnade, the building perfectly adapts to the Goan weather — providing shelter from the sun and rain. This landmark is not just an architectural masterpiece, but a significant historical and cultural touchstone, marking a moment in Goa’s development during the colonial era.
SLICE OF GOA'S ARCHITECTURE
The Art Deco Walk is more than just a stroll through Panjim's streets, it’s an exploration of Goa’s architectural evolution providing participants with a rich understanding of Goa’s journey with Art Deco.
The walk’s route has been thoughtfully curated, with Freitas walking the streets to map out a route that captures the essence of Art Deco architecture within a two-hour time frame.
As visitors walk through the city’s vibrant streets, they’re treated to striking buildings and fascinating insights into the style’s history and its intersection with the local culture.
The Art Deco Walk is more than just a stroll through Panjim's streets, it’s an exploration of Goa’s architectural evolution providing participants with a rich understanding of Goa’s journey with Art Deco.
BEHIND THE INITIATIVE
The walk is guided by Freitas, the founder of Goenchi Deco, a project dedicated to documenting and promoting Goa’s Art Deco heritage. Through his walks, Freitas aims to raise awareness of these lesser-appreciated structures, highlighting the beauty and importance of Art Deco in Goa’s built heritage.
Freitas also sees this initiative as a way of ‘giving back’ to the community. In the past, Goenchi Deco raised funds through similar walks to support local causes, such as the construction of a skating ramp for Skate Life Goa in Miramar.
For the year marking the centenary of the Art Deco style in Goa, Freitas plans to conduct more fundraising walks, with proceeds going towards preserving and enhancing the city’s heritage.
FUTURE OF ART DECO WALKS
The Art Deco Walk in Panjim is just the beginning. Freitas plans to extend the reach of Goenchi Deco, with plans to explore Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and Ponda, where Art Deco structures exist, but are less well-known.
These walks will not only serve as an educational experience, but also as a reminder of the need to preserve the cultural landmarks of Goa.
Given the relatively young age of these structures — many of them less than 100 years old — they are often overlooked in heritage discussions, making Freitas’ initiative vital for their future preservation.
PRESERVING GOA’S ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY
The significance of the Art Deco Walk lies in its ability to bring attention to a style of architecture that is at risk of being forgotten.
As Freitas points out, it’s easy to take these buildings for granted, especially when they are part of everyday life. However, once they are gone, people often lament their loss and share nostalgic photos on social media.
By documenting and sharing the stories behind these structures, Goenchi Deco hopes to ensure that future generations will appreciate and protect Goa's unique architectural identity.
The Art Deco Walk in Panjim is a chance to see Goa from a new perspective — not just as a beach destination, but as a State with a rich architectural heritage that tells the story of global influences blending with local traditions.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the State’s cultural past, this walk offers an enriching experience.
For those interested in joining the walk, keep an eye on Goenchi Deco’s events page for upcoming schedules.
DETAILS
WHAT: ‘Art Deco Walk’ by Goenchi Deco
WHEN: January 18, 2025
TIMINGS: 4 pm to 6 pm
CONTACT: +91 9739187436
FEE: Rs 650
