Adil Shah Palace

The Adil Shah Palace, also known as the Old Secretariat, stands on the riverfront in Panaji and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was originally built as a palace of the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur before the Portuguese conquest of Goa in 1510. The Portuguese rebuilt it and used it as a customs post, and later it became the residence of the Portuguese viceroys after they moved from Old Goa. After Goa's liberation in 1961 it housed the state's legislative and secretariat offices for many years. The building has been restored by the government and opened to the public as a heritage venue with exhibitions on Goa's history. Its long facade, sloping tiled roof and verandas facing the Mandovi make it a striking presence on the waterfront. It is close to the casino boats and the Panaji promenade. It is worth the trip for a building that has witnessed nearly every chapter of Goa's history.