Baltazar da Silva Castro's Impact on Old Goa
Baltazar da Silva Castro's restoration campaign in 1950s Goa was a pivotal moment in colonial conservation, transforming key monuments in Old Goa.
Guided by the Portuguese regime's ambition to highlight its colonial legacy, Castro's interventions led to the deplastering of historic structures, including the Chapel of Saint Catherine.
- Consequences of deplastering remain evident today.
- The initiative coincided with the 400th death anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier.
The Portuguese administration used this event as an instrument of colonial propaganda.
Author's summary: Castro's restorations changed Old Goa's heritage forever.