Why was Goa called Golden Goa?

Goa was referred to as Goa Dourada, or "Golden Goa," due to its immense architectural splendor and the extraordinary prosperity it achieved as the capital of the Portuguese empire in Asia between 1575 and 1625.1

The city’s wealth was so significant that it inspired the Portuguese proverb, "He who has seen Goa need not see Lisbon". As the headquarters of the viceregal court, the army, and the church, the city functioned as a global trade hub where merchandise from across the Portuguese empire was displayed in its bazaars. These goods included pearls and coral from Bahrain, silk and porcelain from China, and various spices and textiles.1

The city's opulence was reflected in the homes of the wealthy, which were built of stone and featured balconied windows with polished oyster shells. This period of peak prosperity established Goa as a center of luxury and influence in the Indian Ocean region.1