Located
in the Salcete taluka of South Goa district, Margao is the nerve-center
of the Goan economy. The second largest city in Goa after Vasco da Gama,
Margao functions as the headquarters of the South Goa district. Apart
from being a bustling commercial and industrial center, Margao also
boasts of a flourishing tourism culture by virtue of its opulent
churches, scenic beaches and stately mansions.Despite the conspicuous Portuguese influence, Margao was once a Hindu religious center with a number of temples and dharmshalas. The name Margaon is regarded a derivative of Mathgram which literally means 'the village of temples.' After the Portuguese invasion, the temples gave way to the spawning of majestic churches and palaces.
The present Margao town exudes a quaint charm with its landscape speckled with fine specimens of Portuguese architecture. The main town square known as the Praca Jorge Baretto houses most of the offices and prominent buildings. The Church Square, called the Largo de Igreja, features the Church of the Holy Spirit and other monuments. Tourists traveling to Margao also visit the nearby Colva beach for a tranquil beach vacation.
