Margao is Goa's second largest but busiest town, the commercial capital of the state, and the administrative headquarters of South Goa district and of the Salcete taluka.

Tourism

The city has many sights and destinations. These include the 'Closed' Market called, in the Portuguese language, Mercado de Afonso de Albuquerque or in Konkani as "Pimplapedd" or "Pimpalakatta," the municipal building, the municipal garden, Anna Fonte (natural springs), Old Market or Mercado Velho, Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions (especially the Seven Gables House near the church), the chapel at Monte Hill, the Hindu crematorium or 'Smashan' and the Muslim burial ground or 'Kabrasthan' both situated on Pajifond's Rua das Saudades.

Some of the city suburbs include Pajifond, Aquem, Gogol, Borda, Malbhat, harebandh, Old Market, Navelim and Comba, the last two being the oldest parts of the city.

There are a number of churches and temples in Margao, since the population is predominantly Roman Catholic or Hindu with a Muslim minority. The famous churches in Margao are the Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian chapel in Aquem and the Monte Hill Chapel, the famous temples are the 'Damodar Temple' (Saal), the 'Hari Mandir', the 'Maruti Mandir' at Davorlim the 'Saibaba Temple' at Davorlim, the 'Shiv Temple' (Ling) at Fatorda near Nehru Stadium. There are 2 mosques in Margao, One in the Malbhat area and one on the Monte hill catering to the Muslim population in these areas. There is also a Jain temple at Pajifond.

Landmarks

Some lesser known information about some famous landmarks:

Margao city hall: The city hall is situated in the heart of the city. Margao municipal garden: The northern segment of the Margao municipal garden was developed by the Mavany family and is named after Aga Khan, during his visit just before Goa's liberation. The entire garden is now Municipal property and is maintained by the Margao Municipal Council.

Narcinva D. Naik residence/Damodar Sal: Swami Vivekananda stayed in this house during his visit to Goa in October 1892. The mansion also houses Margao's well-known temple-hall "Dambaba Saal".

Culture

The town is also known as the cultural capital of Goa. A culture center named 'Ravindra Bhavan' was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat in July 2008 at Fatorda. It also has Goa's only sports stadium, the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda.

Some of the theaters in Margao include OSIA Multiplex, Vishant and Lata.

The Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple in the Comba ward occurs on the 2nd day after Diwali. A procession of the deity takes place at night through the city. A large congregation of Hindus in the festive attire can be seen at the huge open air market outside the temple. The feast of the Holy Spirit Church, locally known as purumetache fest occurs just before the Monsoon sets in. People from all over Goa congregate at the special market to buy spices and dried fish to be used during the oncoming rainy season. The usual specialities that are found in the cuisine of Goa are also to be found in Margao. The curry of Margao is a praised local speciality. Cans of curry of Margao are currently exported to Portugal.

Margão is also the name of a brand of spices sold in Portugal.