Fontainhas

Fontainhas is an old Latin quarter situated in Panaji. The Portuguese influence reflects in every bit of its architecture. Here, you get to see some really colorful houses with red-tiled roofs that make you feel like you are taking a stroll in the streets of Europe. This is perhaps one of the major reasons why you will find this place absolutely stunning.

If you consider Goa to be home to beautiful beaches, low-priced liquor shops then visiting Fontainhas will surely change your perspective. The overall look and feel of this place strongly resemble that of the Mediterranean city. It is located at the foot of the Altinho hills which is bounded by an ancient creek named Ourem creek. Talking about the word Fontainhas; in the Portuguese language means little fountain.

Best Time To Visit Fontainhas Goa

September is the best time of the year to visit Fontainhas as the weather remains very comfortable and you can conveniently wander around. The summer season is very hot; the temperature during this time here can reach up to 40 degrees, thus it may not be suitable for people to travel here during this time. The monsoons are also not exactly the season to explore Goa as well, as this place is majorly associated with beaches, and balmy sunshine, thus planning a trip to Goa during monsoon season may disappoint you.

Fontainhas, located in Goa, is a quaint and picturesque neighborhood known for its vibrant Portuguese colonial architecture and narrow winding streets, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Read More: Hotels Near Fontainhas – Adotrip

History of Fontainhas

In the late 18th century, a man named Antonio Joao de Sequeira made his fortune while working in Mozambique. It is believed that he was the one who had established Fontainhas. The name of this place, Fontainhas, had come from a spring at the foot of the hill which sprouted for the first time in 1770. 

Then in 1844, a government administrator came to Goa and seeing the condition of the people, he passed orders that from now on, even the people belonging to the lower strata of the society should appear and walk on the streets in proper attire. He even had built an elegant street with a beautiful parapet which was named  Rua Nova d’Ouremsea. This street faced the seaward side of the Fontainhas quarter. 

Since the beginning, this place had quite a high population density. The richer people used to live on the Panjim hill in their comfortable and large bungalows and the lower groups of the society used to live on the foot or on the eastern side of the hill.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fontainhas In Goa

Q1. Is Fontainhas in North or South Goa?
Ans - Fontainhas is located in the region of Panjim Square in Goa, which is situated in the northern region of the state. 

Q2. How to explore Fontainhas?
Ans - The Fontainhas is located in the Patto area in Panjim. If you are an art lover, take a walk through this area. Visit the area during the day to fully appreciate the colorful houses and the narrow lanes.

Q3. What is Fountain Street in Goa known for?

A. Fountain Street in Goa is known for its vibrant atmosphere, lined with charming cafes, art galleries, boutique shops, and colorful Portuguese colonial buildings, offering visitors a delightful blend of culture, history, and contemporary charm.

Q4. What is the name of the colorful street in Goa?
A. The colorful street in Goa is known as Fountain Street. It is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, lined with charming cafes, art galleries, boutique shops, and colorful Portuguese colonial buildings, offering visitors a delightful blend of culture, history, and contemporary charm.

Q5. What is Fontainhas Lane in Goa known for?
A. Fontainhas Lane in Goa is renowned for its picturesque charm and well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. Lined with colorful buildings adorned with azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles), this quaint lane offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. It's a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Goa's historic and artistic side.

Major Attractions Near Fontainhas

Discover the soul of Fontainhas through these iconic landmarks

5-10 Minutes

Approximately 0.7 km

Church Square Panaji

A picturesque public square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, Church Square is a popular gathering place and offers a glimpse into Panaji's architectural heritage.

3-5 Minutes

Approximately 0.3 km

Gallery Gitanjali

A renowned contemporary art gallery housed in a heritage building, Gallery Gitanjali showcases works by local and international artists and hosts cultural events regularly.

2-5 Minutes

Approximately 0.2 km

Chapel of St. Sebastian

This historic chapel, built in 1818, is one of Fontainhas' most iconic landmarks, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance within Goa's Portuguese heritage district.

How to Reach Fontainhas

To reach Fontainhas, you'll need to cover significant distances from major cities. Here are the most convenient ways to travel to Fontainhas.

By Air

The nearest airport to Fontainhas is Goa International Airport (Dabolim), which offers regular domestic and international flights. The newly operational Manohar International Airport at Mopa also provides excellent connectivity. Taxis, buses, and private cabs are readily available from both airports to reach Fontainhas in Panaji.

Nearest Airport to Fontainhas: Goa International Airport (Dabolim) – Approximately 29 km

Second Nearest Airport to Fontainhas: Manohar International Airport (Mopa) – Approximately 35 km

Third Nearest Airport to Fontainhas: Hubballi Airport – Approximately 165 km

By Train

Fontainhas is well-connected by rail through several railway stations in Goa. Karmali Railway Station is the nearest, while Madgaon and Vasco da Gama stations offer excellent connectivity to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Local taxis and buses provide easy onward transportation. 

Nearest Railway Station to Fontainhas: Karmali Railway Station – Approximately 12 km

Second Nearest Railway Station to Fontainhas: Vasco da Gama Railway Station – Approximately 29 km

Third Nearest Railway Station to Fontainhas: Madgaon Railway Station – Approximately 38 km

By Road

Fontainhas enjoys excellent road connectivity through NH-66 and major state highways. Regular buses, taxis, and self-drive vehicles connect Panaji with major cities across Goa and neighboring states, making road travel a comfortable option for visitors.

Major City to Fontainhas: Margao – Approximately 35 km

Major City to Fontainhas: Mapusa – Approximately 14 km

Major City to Fontainhas: Vasco da Gama – Approximately 30 km

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