Adil Shah Palace

Adil Shah Palace, also known as the Idalcão Palace or the Old Secretariat, is a historic landmark located in Panaji, Goa. It is the oldest surviving colonial-era building in the city. Originally built as a summer palace for the ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, it has served various administrative roles under Portuguese and Indian governance over five centuries. == History == === Adil Sahi dynasty and Portuguese era === The palace was constructed around 1500 by Yusuf Adil Shah of the Bijapur Sultanate (called Hidalcão by the Portuguese) to serve as his summer residence. It was strategically fortified with numerous cannons to defend the mouth of the Mandovi River. In 1510, the Portuguese Empire captured the structure after defeating the Bijapur forces. Following the conquest, the Portuguese modified the building significantly around 1615. It initially served as a residence for the Viceroys when they stayed in Panaji, which was then a small village. In 1759, the residence of the Viceroy was officially shifted from Old Goa to this palace as the former capital suffered from epidemics. It continued to serve as the official seat of the Portuguese government in Goa until 1918, after which the governors moved to Cabo Raj Bhavan.