It is one of India?s smallest state capitals. Panaji officially became the capital of Goa in 1843, though the Portugese viceroys shifted their residence from the outskirts of Old Goa to the former palace of Adil Shah in Panaji as early as 1759

The old district, Fontainhas, is an interesting area to walk around with narrow streets, tiled buildings with overhanging balconies and the atmosphere is more reminiscent of Mediterranean than India. At the center, is the Chapel of St. Sebastian which dates from 1880s and contains a number of interesting features. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is Panaji?s main place of worship and was originally consecrated in 1541. The Secretariat which dates from the 16^th century was actually Adil Shah?s palace but became the viceroy?s residence in 1759.