This Museum In Goa Is A 400-Year-Old Mansion That Still Remains Sumptuous

People head to North Goa for beaches and parties, and to South Goa for a scenic, serene(ic) shift. But very few visit this coastal destination for its museums, even though Goa is as rich in history as places like Agra. Why? Goa’s past lives on through its Portuguese remnants, especially in its homes and, of course, its major attractions. But among all of these, there’s one house, actually, a mansion, so old and so well-preserved that it now serves as both a museum and a homestay.

The Figueiredo House belongs to a family that has been one of Goa’s most influential for over 400 years. Built in 1590 (decades before the iconic Taj Mahal, btw), it originally spanned 2,500 sq metres. In the 1800s, Caetono, a lawyer in the family, appointed Jesuit priests from Europe to add another 2,500 sq metres, transforming it into a full-fledged mansion. Ceramic tiles from Italy and France, chandeliers from Belgium, and porcelain from China and Portugal were all brought in to make the home as sumptuous as it is today.

In 2016, Maria de Fatima Figueiredo de Albuquerque, the great-great-granddaughter, returned to restore the house. She cleared the gardens, added a swimming pool, and carried out the restorations with her childhood memories as her guide. That was also the year when the idea of turning it into a homestay first took shape.

Today, you can feel that history in every corner. The ballroom, the dining room, the bedrooms, everything has been restored to reflect how it looked in the 1700s. A portion of the mansion is dedicated to Maria de Lourdes (the current owner) and her sister Georgina. You can even take an authentic heritage tour, where you’ll be guided through the living room, the family chapel, the music room, and other historic spaces.

Entry Fee: INR 350 per person

Timings: 10 AM - 1 PM, 2 PM - 5PM

Guided Visit Timings: 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM

When you know you’re staying in a mansion-turned-museum, you already know the stay is going to be good. This is where you don’t just get an hourly glimpse into history, you actually live in it. Figueiredo House, in Loutolim (South Goa), sits far away from North Goa’s bustle.

You get to literally live and breathe centuries of history, and the price for that experience is surprisingly reasonable. The two-staircase façade and extravagant interiors set the mood instantly. Even better, it caters to all kinds of travellers. Nature lovers can walk through village paths and gaze at lush fields. At the same time, history buffs can happily lose track of time with the endless artefacts and antique pieces around the property.

There are eight bedrooms, all named after family members. The property also has a lounge with cosy nooks, a garden, a game room, and a bar.

Price Per Night: Starts at INR 5,000

Social Media: Figueiredo House

Pro-Tip: Top 12 Museums In Goa To Check Out