The Portuguese conquered Goa in 1510. Their objective was to control the spice trade and spread Christianity. They arrived with drawings for churches, representative of the architectural styles prevalent in Europe during that period such as Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, Gothic, etc.The local masons interpreted these drawings and adapted them to suit the locally available construction materials and weather conditions.Old Goa, which is called the Rome of the East, became a laboratory of architectural experiments. A couple of centuries later, the descendants of these masons started constructing houses, which are described by many as ‘Portuguese Houses’. These houses indicate a rich assimilation of many European styles, yet they embody a distinctly indigenous architectural language. The Goan houses exhibit distinct features in their window designs, verandahs, porches (Balcao), compound walls, gate posts, columns, railings, pilasters, cornices and floorings. Each house has individual features selected by the owner yet a shared architectural aesthetic binds them together.Goan houses have a huge role to play in Goa’s cultural ethos. Her houses, churches and chapels are important hallmarks of the unique ‘Goa experience’.Goans are very proud of their houses and look after them with great care and affection. Each house can be described as a living archive of Goa’s histories. The owner, often displays a ‘NOT FOR SALE’ signage to discourage visitors who perhaps dream of buying a Goan house!