The origins of these Latin Quarters are attributed to an Indian gentleman named Antonio Joao de Sequeira. The founder is locally popular as Mosmikar, referring to a prosperous resident returning from Mozambique. Back from the African country in the 18th century, Mosmikar leased the area between Altinho Hill and Ourem creek and converted it into a coconut grove. Being close to the Church of Immaculate Conception, people started building houses on this patch of reclaimed land. Subsequently, the deadly plague in Old Goa acted as a catalyst and many more people moved to the area.

Clean narrow streets flanked by houses with red tiled roofs, protruding balconies with intricate railings, ornate windows and doors, hand-painted blue-on-white azulejos name plaques and dramatic bright contrasting colourful walls splendidly characterise the old world charm in Panaji. This aesthetic onslaught of colour derives from an unwritten colonial rule that only churches or chapels had the privilege of using white that signified purity of Virgin Mary. The Portuguese also enacted a law that required every house to annually renew the coat of paint. This practice continues and the Latin Quarters offers its visitors a fresh outlook year after year.

This magical side of Panaji was also the witness to the public execution of 15 members of the Pinto revolt of the 18th century against the Portuguese rule. Back then, the area opposite to the General Post Office at Sao Tome was used as the town pillory. The twin areas of Fontainhas and Sao Tome remains packed with history, architecture, religion, food and more. Undoubtedly, it would tempt you to click lot of pictures. So, pack your camera, put on your walking shoes and enjoy a day's stroll, stopping at its taverns for Feni.