Fontainhas (or Bairro das Fontainhas, in Portuguese) is an old Latin
Quarter in Panjim, capital city of the state of Goa, India.
It maintains its Portuguese influence, particularly through its architecture,
which includes narrow and picturesque winding streets like those found in many
European cities, old villas and buildings with projecting balconies painted in
the traditional tones of pale yellow, green, or blue, and roofs made of red
coloured tiles. Fontainhas' heritage ambience represents the traditional
Portuguese influence in the area.
|
Velha Goa Galeria on the corner of Governador Teixeira da Silva Road
and Rua de Ourem
|
|
Bairro das Fontainhas
«Goa's Fontainhas Latin Quarter known for its narrow lanes full of
Portuguese influence, particularly through its architecture. Fontainhas
was declared a UNESCO heritage zone in 1984. Keep Fontainhas clean.»
|
|
St. Sebastian's Chapel
-
The Chapel of St Sebastian, erected in 1818, is located at the
southern end of the Fontainhas.
-
It was traditionally the locale for the annual street festival of the
Feast of Our Lady of Livrament. An old well exists in its precincts.
-
The chapel is well preserved and has a very large crucifix, which was
once fixed at the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.
-
The chapel also houses an image of the Virgin Mary, two veneered
wooden chests, and three intricately-carved altarpieces relocated from
a church in Diu.
|
|
Corner of Rua de Natal (Christmas Street) and St. Sebastian Road
|
|
Small altar built into the outer corner of a house
The altar
is dedicated to the Pietà.
-
The Pietà embodies the immense compassion and sorrow of the Virgin
Mary. Holding the lifeless body of her son, Jesus, Mary’s grief is
palpable, reflecting the deep emotional and spiritual pain she
endures.
-
The sculpture emphasizes the depth of maternal love. Mary’s tender
embrace of Jesus highlights the unconditional love and care a mother
has for her child, even in death.
-
The Pietà symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for the
redemption of humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s
suffering and the salvation that his death brings to believers.
-
The Pietà captures the intersection of humanity and divinity. Jesus,
though divine, experienced human suffering and death. This duality
underscores the belief that God became human to share in the human
condition and redeem it.
-
Despite the sorrowful scene, the Pietà also conveys hope and
consolation. It reassures believers that suffering is not the end and
that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, there is hope for eternal
life.
-
The Pietà represents unwavering faith and resilience in the face of
immense suffering. Mary’s composed demeanor amidst her grief is a
testament to her faith and strength, inspiring believers to trust in
God’s plan.
-
The Pietà, in its emotional depth and spiritual significance,
continues to resonate with believers, offering a powerful visual
meditation on the themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
|
|
North end of St. Sebastian Road
|
|
Alley between Rua 31 de Janeiro and St. Sebastian Road
|
|
Tile toponymic plaque with the name of a private house
-
Azulejos have been a part of Portuguese architecture since the 16th
century. They were initially influenced by Moorish art and later
evolved to incorporate Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary styles.
They tell stories of Portugal's history, conquests, and cultural
exchanges.
-
The intricate designs and vibrant colors of azulejos showcase the
artistic talent and creativity of Portuguese artisans. They often
depict scenes from religious texts, history, mythology, and everyday
life, serving as a visual narrative of Portugal's rich cultural
tapestry.
-
Azulejos are an integral part of Portuguese architecture. They adorn
the facades of buildings, interiors of churches, palaces, homes, and
public spaces. This integration creates a unique and cohesive
aesthetic that defines Portuguese architectural identity.
-
Azulejos are a symbol of Portuguese cultural identity. They reflect
the country's artistic traditions, historical events, and social
values. The widespread use of these tiles in public and private spaces
underscores their importance in daily life and national pride.
-
Efforts to preserve and restore azulejos are a testament to their
cultural significance. Many historical buildings and sites with
azulejo decorations are protected as part of Portugal's cultural
heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate their beauty
and historical value.
-
Azulejos are also a major attraction for tourists. Visitors from
around the world come to see the stunning tile work in cities like
Lisbon and Porto, contributing to the local economy and promoting
Portugal's cultural heritage on a global scale.
-
In essence, azulejos are much more than decorative tiles; they are a
vital part of Portugal's cultural, historical, and artistic legacy.
Their presence adds beauty and meaning to the country's architectural
landscape and serves as a bridge connecting Portugal's past with its
present.
|
See Also
Source
Location
