Things to Do at Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum occupies the former Convent of St. Francis in Old Goa, its galleries displaying Hindu, Muslim, and Christian artifacts that chronicle 2,000 years of cultural evolution along India's western coast. Established in 1964, the museum houses sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments rescued from demolished buildings throughout Goa, including 12th-century Hindu temple carvings and Portuguese colonial furniture. Walking through the cool corridors, you can smell the old wood and stone while examining artifacts that reveal how different religious traditions influenced each other in this cosmopolitan trading center. Entry costs ₹25 (about $0.30) for Indians and ₹300 (about $3.60) for foreign visitors, with photography permitted for an additional fee. Visit mid-week when smaller crowds allow extended time to study the detailed explanatory labels that contextualize each artifact within Goa's complex cultural history.

The museum is located in central San Jose, and you'll probably find driving to be the most convenient option with decent parking usually available nearby. If you're using public transit, VTA buses serve the area reasonably well, though you might need to walk a few blocks depending on which route you take. The light rail system connects to downtown San Jose, and from there it's typically a short bus ride or manageable walk. As you'd expect in Silicon Valley, ride-sharing services are readily available throughout the area.