Quepem

Quepem, in South Goa, is an integral part of Goa’s Portuguese history. The town owes much of its stature to the efforts of the Portuguese nobleman Deão Jose Paulo, who developed many of the early facilities of this town on his own initiative and expense. Before this, Quepem was a jungle settlement governed by the Soonda’s. The ruling family of Quepem sought Portuguese protection from the invading army of Haider Ali, and later acceded to the Portuguese when it had no heir.

The remnants of this past are the Palácio Do Deão of Jose Paulo, the Holy Cross church, the Old Dam, and the Holy Cross hillock. Other landmark celebrations in the town are the annual Ganeshotsav Festival and the village feast of Holy Cross. These are celebrated in May and October.