Palacio do Deao

About Palacio do Deao

About Palacio do Deao

Phone: 0832 266 4029

Visit time: The museum is open on all days except Friday from 10 AM in the morning to 5 PM in the evening.

Best time to visit Palacio do Deao

November to February for pleasant weather. September–October (shoulder season) for fewer crowds. Plan for 1.5–2 hours.

Timings & opening hours

Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Wednesdays. Visits by reservation only — no walk-ins.

Entry fee & tickets

Free or nominal donation. The main experience is the Indo-Portuguese meal at about ₹1,200 per person (pre-set menu, vegetarian or non-vegetarian), requiring 72 hours’ advance notice.

Duration needed

1.5 to 2 hours for the guided tour, gardens, and meal.

Location info

Opposite Holy Cross Church, Quepem, South Goa — an 18th-century Indo-Portuguese mansion on the Kushavati River.

Safety tips

Standard precautions. Very limited tourist infrastructure in Quepem — plan transportation in advance.

Things to carry

Camera (photography is generally allowed), cash for the meal and donation.

Nearby visiting places

Holy Cross Church (Quepem), Kushavati River, Quepem town, South Goa spice plantations (30 minutes’ drive), and Palolem Beach (40 minutes’ drive).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Margao Railway Station (~35 km). Taxi or own vehicle is strongly recommended as Quepem has limited tourist infrastructure.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options near the museum may be limited. The nearest town or beach area typically has restaurants and cafes. Carrying water is recommended — most museums do not allow food inside.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or beach area. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

History of Palacio do Deao

Palacio do Deao was built in 1787 by Deao Jose Paulo de Almeida, a Portuguese nobleman who served as Dean (Deao) of the Church. He effectively founded the town of Quepem, clearing jungle to establish rice paddies, coconut palms, fruit trees, a public market, a hospital, and the Santa Cruz Church — all at his own expense. The area came under Portuguese control in 1783. The Dean was awarded the unofficial title “Barão de Quepem” (Baron of Quepem). The mansion has been lovingly restored by the De Souza e Gama family and features a unique fusion of Hindu and Portuguese architectural elements.

Things to do at Palacio do Deao

Take the guided tour with owner Ruben for historical anecdotes. Explore the heritage gardens — described since colonial times as the “most beautiful pleasure gardens in Goa.” Enjoy an authentic Indo-Portuguese meal (book 72 hours in advance). Photograph the period interiors, antiques, and river views.

Things to visit & highlights

The 1787 Indo-Portuguese mansion, the heritage gardens, the period interiors and antiques, the Kushavati River views, and the Holy Cross Church opposite.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Quepem): +91-832-2664233. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located in Quepem town, about 2–3 km from the mansion.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Palacio do Deao without a reservation? No — visits are by reservation only. Book by phone (+91-832-266-4029) or email (gama.ruben@gmail.com).

How much does the meal cost? About ₹1,200 per person for a pre-set Indo-Portuguese menu (vegetarian or non-vegetarian), requiring 72 hours’ advance notice.

Who owns Palacio do Deao? The De Souza e Gama family, who lovingly restored the mansion. The current owner, Ruben, personally conducts guided tours.

Accessibility

Museum accessibility varies. Major museums in Goa (Archaeological Museum, Museum of Christian Art) have level access or ramps at the entrance. Smaller, privately-run museums in older buildings may have steps and narrow doorways. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.

Rules & restrictions

Photography rules vary — some museums prohibit all photography, others allow photography without flash. Check signage at the entrance. Do not touch exhibits. Food and drinks are not permitted inside most museums. Large bags may need to be checked. Follow the designated visitor route and respect gallery closures. Use audio guides and headsets if provided.

Best photography spots

Check the museum’s photography policy before shooting — some prohibit all photography. For permitted photography, use available light — flash is rarely allowed. Focus on details: artefact textures, gallery compositions, and architectural features of the museum building itself. The best museum photos tell a story about the collection rather than trying to capture everything.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.