Secretariat Building

Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur built this building at the turn of the 16th century as a summer retreat and later fortified it with cannons and a moat. However, the retreat was short-lived as Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the ruler of Deccan Sultanate only 10 years after in 1510 CE. The Portuguese converted it into a rest house. New incoming Viceroys from Portugal would stop here to await the handing over of ceremonial key to the then capital city of Old Goa. In the 18th century, after the outbreak of a deadly plague, when the capital was moved to Panaji, this palace assumed the role of the official residence of the Viceroy and remained so until the early 20th century. The building was renovated to appear in line with the then prevalent Portuguese style and architecture. Even the name of the palace received a twist to be known as Idalcaon Palace, perhaps a Portuguese corruption for Adil Khan Palace.

After Goa's liberation from Portugals in 1961, Adil Shah's Palace began a new journey as the Goan State Legislature building and became popular as the Secretariat. In the year 2000, the Goa Assembly moved to a new building across the Mandovi River. These days you could still see a board that reads 'Press Room' managed by 'Department of Information and Publicity'. Though currently closed, it is said that soon this illustrious building will become a public attraction. Within walking distance from Azad Maidan and just off MG Road, Adil Shah's Palace is flanked by statues on either side. One of them is of the first elected Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Dayanand Bandodkar, while the second is that of Abbe Faria, one of Goa´s most famous personalities, known for his pioneering work in the field of hypnotism and also for helping the Pinto Revolt against Portuguese rule.